HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah on the Sad Demise of His Wife Sheikha Sheikha Sabah Al-Nasser Al-Sabah

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 RABI ALAWWAL 1, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net KOC: 80 yrs of Jazeera shuts Airbus delivers Tough Pathans work changed Egypt channel first next-gen find solace lifestyle as Doha-Cairo plane to in Afridi’s in Kuwait5 tensions8 thaw Qatar23 Airways Pakistan17 Fadhl calls for granting Min 07º Max 20º non-Muslims citizenship High Tide 13:38 Low Tide 00:07 & 19:37 40 PAGES 40 16381 NO: FILS 150 MP labels move an Xmas gift for ‘Christian brothers’ News By B Izzak i n b r i e f KUWAIT: Independent MP Nabil Al-Fadhl said yesterday he has submitted a petition to the constitutional court challenging an article in the constitution that bars non- KD 750 guarantee for Indians? Muslims from being naturalized. The lawmaker said that KUWAIT: A source at the Public Manpower Authority he considers this move as a Christmas gift for “our said the foreign, interior and labor ministries are coor- Christian brothers”. The petition challenges an article dinating to impose a guarantee of KD 750 on every that was added to the constitution by Islamist and con- Indian who wants to come and work in Kuwait, be it in servative MPs in 1981 to ban granting Kuwaiti citizen- the public or private sector. The guarantee will be paid ship to non-Muslims. That amendment to the 1959 at the Kuwait embassy in India. The source said the nationality law stipulates a set of conditions for those move comes after the Indian Embassy placed two con- who can be granted Kuwaiti citizenship, and one of ditions to bring in domestic workers - a KD 750 guar- them is to be a Muslim. antee, and to check the house where the worker will Continued on Page 13 work before arriving in Kuwait. The source stated that the Indian community numbers more than 830,000, and “there is a strong indication that hiring of Indian US Navy chopper manpower may be halted”. crashes in Kuwait KAC seals Boeing deal KUWAIT: A US Navy helicopter has crashed during a train- KUWAIT: Kuwait Airways announced yesterday it has ing mission in Kuwait, slightly injuring three crewmembers, signed a deal to purchase 10 777-300ER passenger air- the Bahrain-based Naval Forces Central Command said yes- craft from US manufacturer Boeing to upgrade its terday. The MH-60S helicopter went down on Sunday fleet. Kuwait Airways Chairperson and CEO Rasha Al- morning during the overland training flight at Camp Roumi said in a press statement that the new contract Buehring in Kuwait, it said in a statement. “All six personnel paves the way for revamping and upgrading the fleet aboard the helicopter survived the crash and were trans- to help the company compete with other airlines. TUNIS: A supporter of Beji Caid Essebsi holds a campaign poster outside his party headquarters after ported to nearby medical facilities for evaluation. Three of Under this deal, delivery will start from Nov 2016, he was elected president yesterday. — AP (See Page 7) the six crew members sustained minor injuries and Roumi said. received treatment. All have been released.’” — AFP CONDOLENCES

Management and staff convey their deepest condolences to HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah on the sad demise of his wife Sheikha Sheikha Sabah Al-Nasser Al-Sabah

May Allah Almighty bestow His mercy on her TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23 2014 LOCAL Crime Report Deer spotted at Fourth Ring Road KUWAIT: Following a recent incident where a lion fatally injured a housemaid, motorists along the Fourth Ring Road were shocked to see a deer wandering around, causing a great deal of confusion as they all tried to avoid hitting it, said security sources. Case papers indicate that traffic police immediately rushed to the scene to direct traffic until a citizen arrived and took it away.

Hit-and-run driver identified Following the Jahra hit-and-run incident where a 4- year-old Saudi child was killed by a truck, security sources said that detectives indentified the driver and arrest him at his residence within a few hours.

Child molester arrested An Arab private school teacher was arrested for sexually molesting a 5-year-old Moroccan girl, said security sources. Case papers indicate that the girl’s father reported that on noticing that the girl did not want to go to school, her mother inquired about the reason and on medically exam- KUWAIT: First Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah chairs the Cabinet’s meeting yesterday. — KUNA ining her, the report showed that the girl had been beaten and sexually molested. A case was filed and further investigations are in progress. Cabinet commends Egypt-Qatar Cardiac arrest A 25-year-old man collapsed in a cafe, said security sources, noting that on rushing him to Farwaniya reconciliation initiative Hospital, the man was already dead from a cardiac arrest and lung and liver damage. Doctors said that the man died of natural causes. Ministers condole premier on spouse’s death

Work mishap KUWAIT: The Cabinet yesterday commend- ing both Arab and Muslim nations, in addi- from First Deputy Prime Minister and decrees appointing new deputy directors- Two window cleaners were injured when they lost bal- ed the positive and constructive outcomes tion to the compliance of Qatari Amir Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al- general of the Kuwait Ports Foundation, a ance while cleaning the exterior of the PAAAET building of a recent initiative launched by Saudi Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Hamad Al-Sabah on the findings of a recent new director-general of the Public windows and fell from a height, said security sources, not- King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz targeting rec- Egyptian President Abdelfatah Al-Sisi with visit to Kuwait by Iraqi Prime Minister Environment Authority, setting up the ing that the two workers were rushed to Sabah Hospital in onciliation between Egypt and Qatar. the Saudi King’s initiative, he said. Haider Al-Abadi, where he met His Higher Environment Council, and appoint- critical condition. During its weekly meeting presided over The eagerness of both Qatari and Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown ing board members of the Public Authority by First Deputy Premier and Foreign Egyptian leaders to develop and cement Prince and His Highness the Prime Minister. for Manpower. Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al- bilateral relations reflects the fact that they Sheikh Sabah Khaled also briefed the The cabinet, afterwards, discussed sev- Drugs possession Sabah, the cabinet lauded the sincere will- live up to national responsibility and are ministers on the outcomes of the recent eral issues and matters bearing on the A citizen and an Egyptian were arrested with 33 ingness of Egypt and Qatar to mend fences well aware of the size of challenges and meeting of the Kuwaiti-UAE joint commit- National Assembly and the latest regional psychotropic pills, said security sources. Case papers and to usher in a fresh stage of bilateral risks the Arab world is facing, the minister tee, which was held in Abu Dhabi and wit- and international developments. noted that a police patrol stopped the two suspects’ relations that could lead to constructive added. nessed the signing of four memos of It mourned the demise of Sheikha vehicle, and noticing how confused they were, cooperation in order to serve the common At the onset of the cabinet meeting, the understanding in various cooperative Sabah Al-Nasser Al-Sabah, spouse of His searched them to find the drugs. A cased was filed. interest of both nations and to promote ministers reviewed a letter received by His domains. Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber pan-Arab cooperation, Minister of State for Highness the Amir from Ethiopian Prime He also elaborated on the outcomes of a Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and the Physical assault Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, expressing recent visit to Kuwait by Egyptian Foreign death of Khaled Ahmad Al-Jassar, the for- A Syrian who was recently rushed to Mubarak Hospital Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah said in a satisfaction with the outcomes of his recent Minister Sameh Shukry, as both sides inked mer minister of justice. with several injuries reported that four people he knew news statement following the meeting. visit to Kuwait. 11 memos of understanding aiming to pro- Finally, the ministers congratulated had assaulted him in Tunis Street in Hawally, said security It also appreciated the sincere role and mote and consolidate bilateral cooperation Qatar and its leadership on the Gulf coun- sources, noting that the man provided the police with the efforts of the Saudi King in the consolida- Iraqi premier in various fields. try’s National Day, wishing it more develop- assailants’ description pending arresting them. tion of Arab solidarity with a view to serv- The ministers then listened to a briefing Moreover, the cabinet approved draft ment and welfare. — KUNA

KD 200 theft A citizen reported that he went to withdraw KD 200 Residency affairs from an ATM and that the transaction was rejected, department warns expats but when he went home, he received a text message from the bank notifying him that the money had been with renewed passports debited from his account. Checking the bank CCTV cameras, he found out that someone used the By Hanan Al-Saadoun machine after him, found the cash and took it. Further investigations are in progress to identify the man. KUWAIT: Acting Director of Hawally Residency affairs department Lt Col Fawaz Al-Roumi said accurate information at the residency affairs department on expatriates Youngster injured contributes to presenting visa services easily to them, and A young citizen was injured when he jumped from a their transactions will be processed without mistakes or moving vehicle in Qurain, said security sources. Case complications. He said the residency affairs department papers indicate that the young man was outside his family has prepared an integrated work mechanism to upgrade house when someone he knew accompanied by another information and data transfer for all expatriates, adding person asked him to go for a ride with them, but he that those concerned should refer to the residency affairs refused, which made them pull him into the vehicle and departments to update their information or transfer data drive off for a while before he managed to open the door from old passports to new ones. The person will be given and jump off. A case was filed and further investigations two months after the expiry of the old passport before are in progress. fines are imposed. He said if the same passport is renewed, the person Stolen goods should go to the residency department before the pass- A female citizen who owns a supermarket in port actually expires, and will be given two months grace Hawally reported that on receiving new goods and after the passport expires to avoid fines. He said this proce- having them unloaded in a warehouse, she found that dure must be followed to update information in the com- goods worth thousands of dinars had been stolen puter at the residency affairs department, as it was noticed from it. A case was filed and further investigations are that many expatriates have valid visas but their passports have expired, and this will result in fines against them. in progress. KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait sponsored a workshop for the Kuwait Institute of Banking Studies on the Roumi said the fine of not updating data is KD 2 per day, effect of giftedness, leadership and culture on booming business. The workshop took place at the Sheikha Salwa with a maximum of KD 600. He said for those who renew Al-Sabah hall featuring executives from banking institutes in Kuwait. Fugitive nabbed their passports outside Kuwait, they should refer to the A 34-year-old Arab woman was arrested for being want- department within one month after entering the country, ed for various financial cases, said security sources. Case otherwise they will have to pay a fine. He said an expat papers indicate that a routine checkpoint near Khairan who arrives with a new passport will be informed to go to resort noticed that a woman was trying to avoid it by head- GCC wildlife protection the residency affairs department within a month to update ing into the desert. To her bad luck, the woman’s vehicle his data. got stuck in the sand and on checking up on her, policemen found she is wanted over financial claims and dud meeting kicks off cheques. KUWAIT: The 14th meeting of the police proposal included on the agen- General for human affairs and the Parliament panel Standing Committee tasked with pre- da came at an appropriate timing, environment at the Secretariat Jahra accident serving wildlife and natural habitats in where the State of Kuwait will work on General of the Gulf Cooperation discusses domestic A 64-year-old citizen narrowly escaped death when the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) formulating a practical approach to Council, Dr Abdullah bin Oqla Al- he was hit by a vehicle while crossing a Jahra street, kicked off yesterday at the senior offi- such proposal. He added that the Hashem in his speech thanked the workers file said security sources, noting that his right thigh was cials level. Authority is preparing to embark on State of Kuwait for hosting the meet- fractured. He was immediately rushed to hospital for Mohammad Al-Enezi, Deputy the development of the executive ing, which is a quantum leap in the KUWAIT: The National Assembly committee of health, treatment. Director General for the Environment bylaw of the Environmental work of the GCC Convention, where social and labor affairs discussed yesterday two draft laws Public Authority, said in his speech Protection Act No. 42 of 2014 which many proposals from Member States on domestic workers and the establishment of closed joint that the Gulf Convention on wildlife obliges forming an environmental have been gathered. stock companies concerned with bringing and hiring Sailor hurt plays an important role in preserving police. Hashem said that a proposal on A sailor was injured at Doha port when a load of gyp- domestic workers. the natural heritage of the area, He explained that the environmen- raising awareness of wildlife by the sum accidentally fell on him, said security sources, noting The meeting was attended by representatives from the adding that the proposals submitted tal police will contribute to improving Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was submit- that the man was rushed to hospital for treatment. Ministry of Interior and the public authority for workforce. to the agenda of the meeting, such as the quality of the environment ted in addition to another submitted — Al-Rai/ Al-Watan MP Sadoun Hammad told the press following the ses- the new organizational structure of through the effective application of by Kuwait on illicit cheetah traffick- sion that the draft laws would lead to drastic reforms in the the Convention and the Advisory the laws and give more support for ing. He pointed to the proposal of domestic workers system and its side effects that cause Committee will have a significant environmental issues, noting that the Bahrain to establish a workshop on much trouble to Kuwaiti families. impact on the development of the celebration of the first wildlife day on the preparation of the consolidated During the parliamentary meeting, it was agreed to Crime mechanisms of action and give multi- September 30 every year gives further regional regime on access to genetic thoroughly scrutinize the draft laws for the next two weeks ple scientific alternatives for decision attention for the conservation of resources as well as follow-up to the Report before referring them to the National Assembly for final makers. nature and biodiversity. passage of falcons between the GCC approval. — KUNA He added that the environmental For his part, Assistant Secretary countries. —KUNA Two suicide Cross-dressers cases reported to be expelled from Police Academy

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: Interior ministry assistant undersecretary for education and training affairs Maj Gen Sheikh Faisal Al- KUWAIT: A 20-year-old bedoon girl committed suicide in Nawaf disclosed that new measures would be taken con- Sulaibiya. The body was recovered and the case is with cerning Saad Al-Abdullah Police Academy cadets includ- concerned authorities. Separately, a Yemeni expat self- immolated in Sulaibiya farms. Police received a call about a ing annual security assessments during their four-year murder in Sulaibiya, and the caller told them about a study period to make sure there were no security restric- charred dead person near his car. Police found a note say- tions on any of them. Sheikh Faisal stressed that cadets ing: “This is the number of the vehicle owner. I am the H. A. indicted with dishonoring or disgracing felonies like from Yemen. Forgive me if I made a mistake with anyone. ‘cross-dressing’ during their study would be immediately Thank you.” KUWAIT: The GCC wildlife protection meeting in progress. — KUNA expelled from the academy. —Al-Rai TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 LOCAL In Brief Job-seekers Labor market Solar panels

KUWAIT: Manpower and Government KUWAIT: MPs Abdurrahman Al-Jeeran, KUWAIT: The Ministry of Electricity and Restructuring Program (MGRP) Secretary-General Mohammad Al-Enizy, Askar Al-Enizy, Water prepares to place the tender for Fauzi Al-Majdali announced yesterday that the cabi- Mohammad Al-Huwailah and Saud Al- the second phase of a project to install net approved signing up laid-off workers of the pri- Huraiji filed a request to allocate a par- solar panels on rooftops of government vate sector on the Civil Service Commission (CSC) liamentary session to discuss the labor buildings. The first phase, executed at system as “job seekers.” According to the approved market’s imbalances, and Kuwaiti work- the Ministry of Electricity and Water and Cabinet decree no 1577/2014 the CSC is obligated ers’ percentage in the private sector. The Ministry of Public Works’ buildings, was to register laid-off employees on its system in coop- session would address obstacles facing deemed successful. The KD 22 million eration with MGPR. Majdali also said that dis- the employment of Kuwaitis in the pri- project contains four phases and is slat- charged workers will receive their unemployment vate sector, and ways to resolve the ed to end by 2019. benefits at the end of this month. — KUNA issue.

Photo of the day

KUWAIT: Construction works are seen at the Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center site at the old flag square site in Kuwait City. The rojectp contains an opera house, and is slated for completion in 2015. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat NBK launches 3 new multi-currency ATMs

Adailiya 2nd ‘healthy town’ in Kuwait

KUWAIT: The United Nations has registered by Dr Amal Al-Yahya, the head of the Al-Adailiya district as a healthy town as part healthy towns department of the Ministry of its international network of healthy of Health, in a statement, noting that such Mohammed Al-Othman The new ATMS at Kuwait International Airport. towns, following suit of another Kuwaiti an international designation is based on district that had been chosen for healthy several considerations such as the commu- KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) launched with the most updated services and innovative NBK has maintained its leading position in the features, Al-Yarmouk. nity quest for improving public health and its new multi-currency ATM machines in the products. We are keen to be closer to our cus- market by constantly investing in its local net- The announcement was made yesterday for being distinguished with other charac- Transit Area at Kuwait International Airport. tomers and offer them the most convenient work to ensure the reach of products and services teristics, such as good level of education, The new ATM machines allow NBK customers banking experience,” said Mohammed Al- to a wider segment of customers. family stability, minimum accidents, envi- to withdraw cash amounts in six different curren- Othman, NBK’s Assistant General Manager, NBK enjoys the largest banking network in ronmental protection and combating cies; Kuwaiti Dinar KWD, US Dollar USD, Euro, Consumer Banking Group. “The location of these Kuwait with more than 65 branches, 8,200 Points poverty. Sterling Pound GBP, Emirati Dirham AED and ATM machines has been carefully selected to bet- of Sale and 239 ATMs to provide its customers Residents of Al-Adailiya, one of the Saudi Riyal SAR. The machines are located near ter serve travelers and allow them to withdraw with the most convenient services and products. Kuwaiti residential regions, along with vol- Gates 3 and 24. cash in the currency of choice, depending on For more information please contact NBK Call untary teams, have been exerting notice- “NBK is dedicated to providing its customers their destination”. Center 1801801 or log onto www.nbk.com. able efforts for enhancing their neighborhood’s conditions. Dr Yahya, part of the “national committee for implementation of ‘Energy Conference vital the healthy towns initiative,” is involved along with her fellow commission members, in diverse activities in this respect, to bolster Arab oil cooperation’ such as holding coordination meetings with governors. ABU DHABI: The 10th Arab Energy Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al establish an Arab institutional frame- Meanwhile, Salah Al-Saif, the head of Conference currently held in Abu Nahyan. The three-day discussions work to review oil and energy issues in the voluntary team, “nahtam (we care), “ Dhabi offers an ideal chance to tackle current developments in the oil order to develop a Pan-Arab perspec- said the Kuwaiti Voluntary Work Center, exchange oil expertise among the Arab and natural gas markets and the impli- tive, besides coordinating relations chaired by Sheikha Amthal Al-Ahmad Al- countries, Secretary General of the cations on the Arab countries and among Arab institutions concerned Jaber Al-Sabah, has been working with the Organization of Arab Petroleum investment requirements to develop with energy and development. council of local notables in Al-Adailiya to Exporting Countries (OAPEC) Abbas Ali the energy sector in Arab World, in The gathering also seeks to harmo- turn it into an exemplary residential dis- Al-Naqi said yesterday. addition to issues on energy, environ- nize energy policies with development trict, health and public beauty wise. It is also a good occasion to discuss ment, and sustainable development, issues, investigate present and future The team has been involved in multiple issues of common interest, Al-Naqi told he said. Participants will also address Arab energy requirements and the activities, such as distribution of plants to KUNA on the sidelines of the confer- energy resources, consumption and means of meeting them. the neighborhoods as part of public beau- ence organized by OAPEC, December conservation in the Arab countries, as Kuwait’s delegation to the confer- OAPEC Secretary General tification efforts. They also work on a wider 21-23, under the theme: “Energy and well as Arab electricity interconnection ence includes Minister of Oil and Abbas Ali Al-Naqi scale in the country to combat desertifica- Arab Cooperation.” The event is held and technological developments, he Minister of State for National Assembly Works and Minister of Electricity and tion in the rural areas. — KUNA under patronage of UAE President noted. The conference is seeking to Affairs Ali Al-Omair, Minister of Public Water Abdulaziz Al-Ibrahim. — KUNA TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 LOCAL

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah greets the audience as he A child present flowers to His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. arrives to the venue.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in a group photo with the honored athletes. —KUNA photos Crown Prince honors outstanding players Athletes portray ‘shining image’ of Kuwait

KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown dear country. youth initiatives, Sheikh Salman Al- Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- For his part, Sheikh Salman Al- Humoud said. He also highlighted Jaber Al-Sabah patronized and attend- Humoud voiced his deep pleasure for state support to young people to help ed a ceremony to honor excellent the annual occasion to honor the them make the best of their free time. players of national teams and sports Kuwaiti excellent players, saying the Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud under- clubs. presence of HH the Crown Prince scored the collaboration among the Addressing the ceremony organ- reveals high interest by the state’s state institutions to realize success, ized yesterday by the Public Authority leaderships, represented by HH the paying tribute to the National for Youth and Sport (PAYS), HH the Amir, in promoting sports. Assembly for issuing a host of legisla- Crown Prince highlighted directives by The State has always been keen on tions topped with the law on invest- HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad supporting Kuwaitis in all fields, the ment and marketing for sports clubs Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to provide utmost Minister said, boasting the persevering and federations. care to youth activities in all fields. This efforts by the country’s players in gen- He also expressed gratitude to the is prompted by HH the Amir’s belief eral, and superlative ones in particular, Cabinet chaired by HH the Prime that youth is “the pillars of national to raise the name of Kuwait high on Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al- renaissance. They are the flourishing the regional and international scenes. Hamad Al-Sabah, that was keen on present and the promising future,” HH He congratulated the high-caliber producing balanced sports legislations the Crown Prince said. Arriving at the venue of the ceremony earlier, HH the Crown Prince was received by Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al- Humoud Al-Sabah, PAYS Chairman and Director General Sheikh Ahmad Al-Mansour Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy PAYS Director and head of the higher organizing committee Ahmad Abdulrazzaq Al-Khazel and a host of senior officials from both bodies. The ceremony started with the national anthem and then recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. HH the Crown Prince, on behalf of the Kuwaiti people, congratulated HH the Amir on the global honoring by the UN as a Humanitarian Leader and Kuwait as a Humanitarian Center. The unprecedented honoring recognized HH the Amir’s contributions His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- to preserve people’s lives and alleviate Sabah honors Sheikha Fraiha Al-Sabah, President of the Fatat (girls) their sufferings around the globe, HH Sports Club. the Crown Prince said. Such great benevolence has left everlasting players for their achievements that the in line with the relevant international impression on the Arab, Islamic and “dear country will always recall.” charters. world levels. Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud expressed deep appreciation for Promoting sports Superb results establishing the Ministry of State for The Minister of State for Youth Then HH the Crown Prince congrat- Youth Affairs, almost two years before, Affairs also pointed to several projects ulated the distinguished players for which functions as a comprehensive adopted by PAYS as part of applying the superb results they achieved on incubator for sports and youth issues the national plan for promoting sports the regional, Arab and international and requirements. endorsed by the government. He also sports scenes, winning advanced thanked Kuwaitis holding key post, at ranks in various competitions. He Scientific, objective method home and on the Asian and the inter- added that they have shown “honor- Since inception, the Ministry has national levels, for supporting the able faces” portraying a shining image been adopting a scientific and objec- country’s sports clubs and federations. of “beloved Kuwait.” tive method, taking the executive Addressing the ceremony on behalf HH the Crown Prince then lauded steps to offer the best possible educa- of the honored players, leading inter- the “fruitful efforts” by Minister of tional, social, cultural, sports and national Squash player Abdullah Al- Information and Minister of State for refreshing care for young people. He Mezin, thanked HH the Crown Prince Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah stressed in this respect elevated direc- for sponsoring the event. He also Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, Chairman tives by the State leadership and the emphasized HH the Amir’s support, of the Kuwait Olympic Committee Cabinet. but for which it would have been a Sheikh Talal Fahad Al-Ahmad Al- The Ministry of State for Youth hard job to realize such achievements. Sabah, also Chairman of the Kuwait Affairs has embraced certain programs Furthermore, he thanked Minister Football Association, and PAYS and strategic plans that were translat- Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud and offi- Chairman and Director General Sheikh ed into tangible youth and develop- cials and the state sports bodies their Ahmad Mansour Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah ment projects. These included adopt- backing. as well as heads of the Kuwaiti sports ing the recommendations of the First By the end of the ceremony, HH the federations and associations. Then he National Youth Convention “Kuwait Crown Prince honored players with addressed the honored players urging Listens,” the Minister said. special needs, leading sports and them to exert their utmost and persist- Up to 50 percent of these recom- media figures and Kuwaitis who won ent efforts to maintain the elevated mendations have been implemented outstanding ranks in competitions, in ranks they have achieved, for their thanks to youth efforts and up to 150 addition to sports officials. —KUNA TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 LOCAL KOC: 80 years of work changed lifestyle in Kuwait

2.9 million bpd produced in 2013/2014

KUWAIT: Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) celebrates today the establishment, however, the company was established in 80th anniversary of being granted oil drilling concession February 1934. right in the country under the agreement signed by the late It was expected then that the agreement would have con- Amir Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on tributed to increase the wealth of Kuwait and its internation- December 23, 1934. al importance through oil exploration concession, but the The agreement was the most prominent event in the his- outbreak of World War II was one of the reasons for the delay tory of the Kuwait Oil Company, which was then called in oil exploitation, and with the end of the war, Kuwait had (Kuwait Oil Company Limited). Some believe that the date of turned from resource-poor desert country into a modern rich signing of the agreement is the same date of the company’s state.

The beginning Kuwait Oil Company was established in February 1934 in London, with an initial capital of 50,000 pounds with joint ownership and equal shares among all of the Anglo-Persian oil company, now known as British Petroleum (BP) and Gulf oil company currently known as (Chevron). In December 1, 1975, an agreement was signed between the Kuwaiti Government, British Petroleum Ltd. (BP Kuwait) and Gulf oil company stipulating that as of March 5, 1975, all remaining shares of the two companies including concession rights be transferred to the government Kuwait. The signing ceremony, which was seen as an official reference to shifting KOC to become entirely owned by the government, took place on December 6, 1975 in Kuwait, and then over the past long years, there were many events that consti- tuted milestones in the history of the KOC. Among the most prominent of these events was the dis- An oil tanker used by KOC. covery of oil in commercial quantities in the Burgan well in February 1938, however, Kuwait had not benefited from this wealth until on June 30, 1946 when the first shipment of oil was exported.

Ahmadi City The year 1946 also saw the establishment of the southern pier at Mina Al-Ahmadi, while work began to build the city of Al-Ahmadi in an integrated manner to include the main offices, workshops, residential neighborhoods and facilities to become an integrated city in 1949. In the era of the late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al- Sabah, increasing in oil production was seen, and in 1955, production began in Raudhatain in north Kuwait, while in 1959, discovery of oil in Managish was discovered in September, while north pier went into force in September of the same year. In the era of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah in 1969, the artificial island was launched in addition to its Copy of the agreement signed by the late Amir Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Ahmad Al- facilities. In 1970, four new collection centers started opera- An oil well at Burgan Field. Sabah in 1934 to concede oil drilling rights in the country. tion, raising to 25 the total number of gathering centers. After that, late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem in November KOC accomplishments in the latest fiscal year were multiple 1976 laid the foundation stone for the gas project in Mina Al- covering not only construction works but also staff training Ahmadi, as well as the docking of the largest oil tanker in and environmental protection activity. — KUNA February 1977 in the artificial island port of Al-Ahmadi. And one of the important dates to remember in the history of Kuwait Oil Company was the launching of gas project at Ahmadi port in February 1979 during the reign of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Iraqi Invasion In march 1991, the operation to put out fires at the oil installations and wells got underway. On July 27, Kuwait exported the first cargo of crude since liberation. On September 14, 1991, drilling resumed in Al-Muqawaa field and late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah extinguished the last burning well on November 6, 1991. Later on, Kuwait restored its status as one of the key oil exporting countries. Its experience in the carbohydrates had a record with the discovery of natural gas, of commercial quantities, in Um Naqa in the north in 2006. During era of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, a large number of achievements have been made in the oil sector. The KOC inaugurated the two water injection installations in Al-Muqawa and Burgan in 2007 and 2008. Moreover, the disassociated gas and conden- sates unit was opened in the north. Among the KOC major achievements was the project for renovating the installations, covering 16 gathering units and three gas boosting stations. The company tested maximum production on October 14-18, 2010, reaching up 3.052 million barrels of oil per day-the highest level in the KOC history. In the last fiscal year (2013-2014) that ended on March 31, the KOC dug 318 new wells, as compared to the projected number, 259.

Crude productivity Productivity of the crude oil amounted to 2.9 million bpd in the 2013-2014 fiscal year. Moreover, the company is tender- ing establishment of three gathering centers in the north, at a projected cost of KD 818 million, in addition to several other affiliate ventures. It has already finalized designing one of its mega projects, worth KD 1.37 million, including operation, maintenance of heavy crude installations, drilling and testing the first horizon- tal well in Al-Manaqeesh field, thus developing the well and upgrading its output to 13,000 barrels per day. Daily output of associated and disassociated gas during the current fiscal year has reached 1.5 billion cubic feet per day, as compared to the projected target of 1.4 billion. The TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 LOCAL

In my view Protecting journalists worldwide

By Labeed Abdal

[email protected]

department under the United Nations recently honored organizers of an international Acampaign that calls for protecting journalists and elevated their status as a nongovernmental organization recognized by the UN. This is a historical step in my opinion in light of the dangers that journalists face around the world, and the need to protect them from injury or even death while report- ing the truth from places of conflict. There is no doubt that the step boosts the activity of the campaign and its over 50,000 members, in light of the increase of risks that journalists face There is no doubt that the step boosts the activity of the campaign and its over 50,000 members, in light of the increase of risks that journalists face these days. Al-Jarida these days, as 64 journalists have died this year. in my view Organizers of the campaign, which officially started in June 2004, said in a statement that journalists are The blessed lady and her modern son being killed because of their profession, since they are the eyewitnesses of the world to record the most heinous human right violations and expose crimi- By Adnan Farzat nals. This is very true, especially when it comes to those who commit sabotage in the dark. yths and superstitions can affect both scien- Well, one might find some religion-related beliefs brooms. She claimed to be blessed and capable of Efforts are needed to protect journalists who are tists and uneducated people. The reason for justifiable because people usually revere ancestors. operating on people without surgery. The funny thing targeted in attempts to cover up the truth. Mthis may be because most people are formed However, it would be a disaster that such worldly super- is that one of those who believed her was a doctor Therefore, supporting the campaign is required to of a mixture of certainty and the unknown. Even CNN stitions spread among sane people! A few years ago, an working in the town, and another university graduate improve global efforts and regulations to protect news network fell in that trap recently by showing a kept asking for her blessings seven times a day. The lat- journalists in places of conflict. video where a man displays a loaf of bread that was ter even waited for her nails to grow so that she clips burnt in the center and the brunt part looked like the Well, one might find some them in order to collect the cut nails as precious omens. face of a bearded man. The man holding the bread The woman had a son she claimed was also blessed. claimed that it had the Christ’s (PBUH) face on it. Well, religion-related beliefs justifi- So, those who missed the mother’s blessings could seek kuwait digest let that person believe what he wishes but, what makes it with the son, who was completely clean-shaven and a prestigious news agency of this magnitude promote able because people usually had soft features with which one could never tell such beliefs? revere ancestors. However, it whether he was a man or a woman. The son, however Urdu and Tagalog A few weeks ago, poet Dr Khaled Al-Shayji delivered started witchcraft and the people believed him until a lecture at the Writers Association under the title would be a disaster that such they found out that he was infatuated with the beauti- “Prophets’ Arabism”, which was a unique topic that ful singer Nancy Ajram and had her posters all over his raised many arguments and discussions that some- worldly superstitions spread room walls. By Saleh Al-Shayji times diverted to many other issues including “how Exclaiming about this, they dared not speak about it to wrong beliefs have spread among people though they among sane people! him and reported back to his mother, who looked at few days ago, the world celebrated the are not genuine parts of religions”. However, when it them with very cruel eyes, saying: “I represent the bless- International Day of the Arabic language, and on was Dr Khalifa Al-Waqian’s turn to speak, he said some- ings of the old generation and he represents the bless- Asuch occasions, many speakers usually raise many thing of real essence. He stressed that some beliefs had ignorant old lady arrived to a small town after she was ings of newer ones!” Notably, that particular town was concerns about Arabic. As usual, Arabs are always domi- been originally made for touristic reasons and that displaced from her own by war. The woman was charis- recently occupied by extremists and became a safe haven nated by fear and being victimized in view of so many some of such stories were historically groundless. matic and had the looks of old witches flying around by for them! — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Qabas ‘conspiracies plotted against their nation and culture’. Such a list of defeatism and wailing is endless. Arabs are afraid that their language, culture and lands might be influenced by what they describe as ‘the foreign kuwait digest kuwait digest invasion’, while foreigners and Westerners have never shown any such fears of an ‘Arabic invasion’. The proof to this is that Western countries are full of millions of Arabs Books, opera and culture and Muslims who are free to build their own mosques What if liberals did it? and worship places, spread their culture, have their own newspapers, TV channels and forums. They managed to By Mudaffar Abdullah spread their own culture there to the extent that some of By Sami Abdullatif Al-Nisf them started chasing away or killing the original inhabi- o start with, corruption cannot be books, debates and ideas, which is an effort tants of the cities they lived in. Many of us may still eradicated in any country unless clear, that requires a great deal of fully aware he vast majority of religiously committed Muslim youth is very remember the video where an English girl went to visit strong methods are used to expose it. planning by everybody, not only by reli- her town and found it changed and dominated by T virtuous and peaceful. They have no problems with others and Commenting on the IS issue and the spread gious people. Muslims, who even dared insulting and threatening to kill nobody has any problem with them. The real problem that is dev- of its ideologies in Kuwait, I would like to For example, we have recently noticed T her because she was an ‘infidel’! astating Muslim nations these days and contributes to shedding In those Western countries, some Arab and Muslim highlight that there is too much commotion the emergence of groups of young story Muslims’ blood lies in the extremist clerics and scholars, be them by preachers that deliberately delude peo- and novel writers, which is something that known or disguised, who immediately brand others as infidels pending ple not to understand the matter. ought to be invested in by the youth min- having them beheaded. This is becoming very dominant, to the extent In those Western countries, The recent court order sentencing a citi- istry by literally and financially supporting that they cut down the total number of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) zen and some expats to various periods them. Writing literature and human rela- followers from 1.5 billion Muslims to a few thousands of evil blood- some Arab and Muslim immi- behind bars for supporting and funding this tions is but an indirect attempt to form a shedders. particular organization inspired me to write competitive public awareness to counter The real reason behind the Muslim nation’s plight and tumults, grants have even become about this issue. In previous years, the gov- extremism and develop a passion for read- crises, bloodshed and human remains seen all over Muslim countries members of parliament, minis- ernment has tried to initiate dialogues with ing about others as a base for co-existence. nowadays are these extreme clerics who jump to label others as ‘infi- extremists through the ministry of awqaf’s I repeat, the Kuwaiti society is innately dels’. The funny thing is that these provokers lead very peaceful and ters in their governments, mer- ‘International tolerant and history well-off lives, and never do what they urge others to do. They are never Moderation Center’ The recent court order sen- proves that all the in a hurry for martyrdom and meeting houris in paradise. Their houses chants and businesspersons, that was estab- extreme incidents are full of occasional joys and celebrations on getting their children, and even thieves. lished in 2004 and tencing a citizen and some that took place in it who had been safely kept at home, married, while grief, lamenting and headed by a were imported from condolences fill the houses of naive young people who believed them. Sudanese, but expats to various periods other Arab countries We never hear these extremism clerics who immediately describe immigrants have even become members of parliament, proved to be a total behind bars for supporting and and used by local others as infidels, those who have their own agendas to destroy Muslim ministers in their governments, merchants and busi- failure despite the elements sympa- countries and who immediately issue ‘fatwas’ for these reasons say a nesspersons, and even thieves, murderers and criminals. millions allocated to funding this particular organi- thizing with them, single word denouncing or incriminating the massacres committed by Nobody was ever afraid about his culture or language it that got wasted and those elements IS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and Taleban, the latest of which killed150 there, which is the exact opposite of what is happening in for nothing. zation inspired me to write became ministers, innocent Muslim schoolchildren for no reason. Just imagine what they our Arab world where fears and obsessions dominate our Kuwait is origi- senior officials and would say if those massacres and destruction against Muslims in coun- lives! Some of those fears about Arabic includes the fear of nally a religiously about this issue. parliamentarians, tries like Somalia, Syria, Libya, Iraq, Yemen, Mali, Egypt and Algeria had the spread of English-speaking Arabs and the influence of and socially tolerant who thanks to their been committed by liberals! non-Arabic communities, especially in the Gulf region. country and the rise of extremism here was positions, had full access to the media. The silence of those clerics about those terrible crimes means only Well, I do not see a single justification for such fears because Arabic is well-protected and persevered by reli- because of many reasons, including the In view of the unstable situations in the one thing. THEIR satisfaction and wish to spread more chaos and killing gious powers represented in the Holy Quran that is being appointment of some extremist figures in Arab region, what we need today is a serious from Indonesia all the way to Morocco! Finally, let us all know that for used and recited far much more than the Arab popula- leading positions where they utilized media activity through which state establishments one, the massacres and destruction taking place in regional countries tions. It is being used by all Muslims worldwide. Quran platforms to spread their one-sided ideas would line up to defend Kuwait’s image that by those their people had thought were angels and turned out to be was revealed to last and be recited until doomsday. and impose their own visions. Meanwhile, has been known for everybody for years as an demons shedding Muslims’ blood ought to be a moral lesson for other In addition, our literary and cultural heritage is so all real scientific and moderate competent open-minded tolerant country. Those partic- regional peoples who are still relatively safe. huge and influential that many people speaking various people were excluded from tolerant think- ular two traits have been concealed on pur- The terrible incidents committed under a fake flag of Islam are but a foreign languages, Orientalists and others learnt Arabic ing-spreading positions, which is actually pose for the benefit of some extremist blocs. ‘historic recollection’ of the time of the Khawarij (a general term describ- to study and add to it! The fear of foreign communities in ing former Muslims, who while initially supporting the authority of Ali the Gulf is also baseless because it was actually those happening at the ministries of awqaf and The long awaited opera house project, bin Abi Talib, the son-in-law and cousin of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, people who started learning and speaking Arabic, while education, namely in terms of setting reli- NCCAL activities, Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiya and we did not start using their languages. We so often see gious curriculums. young writers’ activities is the best indirect later rejected his leadership) who destroyed Islam pretending to be pro- Indians, Filipinos and many others speaking Arabic, but The news about imprisoning those sup- eloquent answer to fight those wishing to tecting it. The only difference between them is the magnitude of destruc- we have not yet started speaking Urdu or Tagalog! porting terrorism pleases but does not sat- alter Kuwait’s nature and image! tion that is thousands of times greater than that previously witnessed in Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Anbaa — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Anbaa isfy me. Extremism has to be fought by —Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Jarida all of Muslims’ history. — TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 Jazeera shuts Egypt channel Erdogan slams birth control as ‘treason’ Page 8 Page 8

TUNIS: Head of the Tunisian ISIE elections body, Chafik Sarsar (center) and ISIE fellow members applaud in front of a giant screen during a press conference yesterday to announce that anti-Islamist politician Beji Caid Essebsi (right on the screen) won Tunisia’s presidential election with 55.68 percent of the vote beating incumbent Moncef Marzouki. — AFP Essebsi elected Tunisia president Veteran anti-Islamist wins first free elections • Clashes break out TUNIS: Veteran anti-Islamist politician Beji Caid Essebsi station by throwing stones. Security forces responded tion as the only Arab Spring country that has managed to olution constitution, the powers of Tunisia’s president was declared the winner of Tunisia’s first free presidential with tear gas,” interior ministry spokesman Mohamed Ali survive”. The revolution that began in Tunisia spread to have been curbed to guard against a return to dictator- election yesterday, capping off the transition to democra- Aroui said. Several police were wounded in the clashes, many parts of the Arab world, with mass protests in Egypt, ship. Ennahda came second in the vote and has not ruled cy in the birthplace of the Arab Spring. But in a sign of the which began late on Sunday, Aroui said without providing Libya, Syria and Yemen. In every country except Tunisia the out joining in a governing coalition. challenges ahead for Tunisia, police fired tear gas to dis- further details. After declaring victory on Sunday, Essebsi revolution was followed by violent turmoil or, as in Syria’s The next government will face major challenges. The perse hundreds of youths who burned tyres in protest at had urged his rival to “work together for the future of case, a devastating civil war. Sunday’s vote was largely small North African nation’s economy is struggling to the result. Essebsi, an 88-year-old former official in previ- Tunisia”. peaceful, though troops guarding ballot papers in the cen- recover from the upheaval of the revolution and there are ous Tunisian regimes, took 55.68 percent of the vote to tral region of Kairouan came under attack, shooting dead fears that widespread joblessness will cause social unrest. defeat incumbent Moncef Marzouki in Sunday’s run-off, ‘Milestone’ Vote one assailant and capturing three, the defence ministry A nascent jihadist threat has also emerged, with militant the electoral commission said. The vote was the first time Tunisians have freely elected said. The authorities had deployed tens of thousands of groups long suppressed under Ben Ali carrying out several Essebsi had claimed victory shortly after polls closed their president since independence from France in 1956. soldiers and police to provide security for polling day. attacks including the killings of two anti-Islamist politi- but Marzouki, a long-exiled 69-year-old rights activist, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius on Monday con- Ahead of the vote, jihadists had issued a videotaped cians. Yesterday’s edition of the French-language La Presse refused to concede defeat. A first round of voting on Nov gratulated the country on its “milestone” vote. “The suc- threat against Tunisia’s political establishment. Essebsi’s newspaper said Tunisia was still experiencing “investment 23 had seen Essebsi in the lead with 39 percent of the cessful staging of this presidential election confirms Nidaa Tounes party won parliamentary polls in October failures, an alarming unemployment rate, purchasing vote, six points ahead of Marzouki. Participation in the Tunisia’s historic role,” he said in a statement.The weekly and he promised to begin the process of forming a gov- power at its lowest and a totally disordered social situa- second round was 60.1 percent, electoral commission Tunis Hebdo said the vote would “enhance Tunisia’s reputa- ernment after the presidential vote. Under a new post-rev- tion”. —AFP chief Chafik Sarsar said, after authorities had urged a high turnout. The vote was seen as a landmark for democracy in Tunisia, which sparked the Arab Spring mass revolutions with the 2011 ouster of longtime strongman Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The campaign was bitter and divisive, with Marzouki insisting a win for Essebsi would mark the return of Tunisia’s old guard of ruling elites. Essebsi in turn accused his rival of representing the moderately Islamist party Ennahda that ruled Tunisia after the revolution and which installed him as president. Continued divisions were clear as some 300-400 protesters clashed with police in the town of El Hamma in Tunisia’s south, where Marzouki had widespread support. The protesters “set fire to tyres and tried to attack a police Rubbish lorry ploughs into Glasgow shoppers

LONDON: A rubbish lorry careered along a pavement crowded with Christmas shoppers in a busy shopping street in Glasgow yesterday, killing several people, police said. A spokesman for Scotland’s police service said he could not give an exact number. At least seven people were seriously injured and the number might rise, he said. Sky News said six people had been killed. One witness told Reuters the truck appeared to have driven out of control along a pavement for about 70 m in the city centre shopping area, close to fairground attrac- tions and an ice rink set up for the Christmas holiday. “A bin lorry did a run of about 70 to 80 metres on a pavement, mostly on a pavement and knocked down people because it was on a very busy crossing,” George Ieronymidis, 58, owner of the nearby Elia Greek restaurant on George Square, said. The police spokesman, referring to the possibility that the incident was an attack, said: “It’s a terrible incident but we don’t believe that there is anything at this juncture that is sinister about the accident.” Television images showed a large green truck at a stand- still by buildings outside Queen Street train station. Two witnesses on a tour bus said the driver of the truck had been slumped over the steering wheel as it moved down the street, Ieronymidis said. The police spokesman said the driver was receiving treatment in hospital. Just over a year ago, eight people were killed and 14 others seriously injured when a police helicopter crashed into the roof of a packed Glasgow pub. —Reuters p8_Layout 1 12/22/14 9:43 PM Page 1

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 INTERNATIONAL Jazeera shuts Egypt channel

DUBAI: Qatar’s Al-Jazeera network said cised in Egypt over coverage seen as yesterday it was “temporarily” closing its favourable to the Muslim Brotherhood, the Egypt-dedicated channel, accused of bias movement of ousted Islamist president towards the banned Muslim Brotherhood, Mohamed Morsi. Qatar repeatedly a day after the Gulf state pledged support denounced Morsi’s removal by the army in for Cairo. The decision appeared to be a July 2013, and still shelters many direct result of a thaw between Doha and Brotherhood leaders, including those who Cairo two days after Egyptian President have fled a crackdown by authorities in Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi received a Qatari Egypt. envoy following Saudi mediation. Al- Three Al-Jazeera journalists, including Jazeera Mubasher Misr has “temporarily the award-winning Australian Peter Greste, ceased broadcasting until such time as were sentenced to seven years in jail by a necessary permits are issued for its return Cairo court, accused of supporting the to Cairo in coordination with the Egyptian blacklisted Brotherhood, in a verdict con- authorities”, the Doha-based network said demned worldwide. A statement yesterday on its website. from the office of Qatari Emir Sheikh However, the live channel will not Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said “the secu- return in its Egypt-specific identity as it will rity of Egypt is important for the security of be merged with another live station to Qatar”. According to the Saudi daily Asharq form Al-Jazeera Mubasher Al-Amma Al-Awsat, Sisi and Thani are expected in (General), the network said. The pan-Arab Riyadh soon for a summit hosted by Saudi news broadcaster has been strongly criti- King Abdullah. — AFP Erdogan slams birth control as ‘treason’

ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip the civil liberties of women. The president - Erdogan described efforts to promote birth who has two sons and two daughters - has control as “treason”, saying contraception angered feminist groups for declaring that MT SINJAR, Iraq: Iraqi Kurdish forces head to battle Islamic State militants on the summit of Mount Sinjar on Sunday. —AP risked causing a whole generation to “dry every woman should have three children up”, reports said yesterday. Erdogan made and saying that women are not equal to the comments on Sunday, directly address- men. He has also made proposals to limit ing the bride and groom at the Istanbul abortion rights, the morning-after pill and In IS-held town, Kurds wedding ceremony of the son of business- Caesarian sections. But this appears to be man Mustafa Kefeli, who is one of his close his strongest attack yet on the principle of allies. He told the newly-weds that using birth control. Erdogan has repeatedly birth control was a betrayal of Turkey’s warned that Turks must have more children face heavy resistance ambition to make itself a flourishing nation to prevent the rapid ageing of the popula- with an expanding young population. tion. “One or two (children) is not enough. To Turkey’s population has risen exponen- make our nation stronger, we need a more tially in recent decades to over 76 million Fighters slowly advancing in Kobane too dynamic and younger population. We need but the birth rate has begun to slow. this to take Turkey above the level of mod- Erdogan’s latest remarks gave fresh ammu- ern civilisations,” Erdogan said. “In this nition to critics who argue the devout MOUNT SINJAR, Iraq: Iraqi Kurdish forces with machine gun fire, missiles, and anti-air- US-led coalition has also played a key role, car- country, they (opponents) have been Muslim is trying to raise the profile of Islam forged ahead with their assault yesterday on a craft guns,” he said before heading back to the rying out waves of airstrikes against IS posi- engaged in the treason of birth control for in secular Turkey. Opposition lawmaker militant-held town in northern Iraq, but front lines with his group of five other fighters. tions. Early yesterday, the Kurds captured a cul- years and sought to dry up our generation,” Aylin Nazliaka said in a written statement encountered heavy resistance from Islamic At least two Kurds have been killed by snipers tural center that they had laid siege to over the Erdogan said. “Lineage is very important that Erdogan portrayed women as “incuba- State fighters whose snipers fired at the attack- and 25 wounded in the latest fighting. Kurdish weekend. A Kobani-based activist, Mustafa Bali, both economically and spiritually. I have tors” rather than “individuals”, leaving them ers and who used burning tires to create a forces also said the militants are burning tires said the center “is very important morally and faith in you,” he said in comments reported exposed to violence. “Erdogan has become smoke screen against coalition airstrikes. The and oil to create a smoke screen of thick dark militarily” because it is located on a hill that by the Dogan news agency, which also the president but he continues to act like a battle for the town of Sinjar has emerged as the clouds to obstruct airstrikes against their posi- overlooks several neighborhoods east and posted a video of his speech. guardian. Would he talk so blatantly about latest fighting front in the campaign to chip tions by the U.S-led coalition. southeast of the town. “This will change the Erdogan went on to praise marriage in the female body if he was capable of giving away at the territory that IS captured in its sum- From a lookout atop Mount Sinjar yesterday, military rhythm in the coming days,” he said, front of the couple, who were declared birth to a child?” she said. mer blitz across northern and western Iraq. several pillars of thick smoke could be seen bil- adding that the aim of Kurdish fighters in Syria man and wife by Istanbul’s mayor Kadir Health Minister Mehmet Muezzinoglu, a Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga fighters launched lowing over the town. The heavy thud of is to evict IS militants from Kobane and nearby Topbas. “Marriage is a long journey. There doctor with two children, had at the week- their offensive on the town, located some 400 artillery and crackle of small arms fire echoed villages. are good days and bad days. Good days end also caused controversy by declaring km northwest of Baghdad, last week. In the up the mountain. Since its surprise push across The IS began its Kobane offensive in mid- become more frequent as we share them pregnant women did not have the right opening days of the operation, the Kurds man- Iraq this summer, the Islamic State group has September, and quickly overran much of the and bad days finally bring happiness if we to decide how they would deliver their aged to reach thousands of Yazidis who were struggled to further expand territory under its town as well as almost all of the surrounding are patient,” said Erdogan. He added: “One child. “It is the duty of the midwives and trapped on Mount Sinjar, which overlooks the control as the Kurds as well as the Iraqi govern- villages. Hundreds of fighters on both sides (child) means loneliness, two means rivalry, the doctors to prepare them for the birth. town and sweeping desert plain below. ment and allied Shiite militias have found their have been killed since. Idriss Nassan, a local three means balance and four means abun- The patients cannot say ‘I want a Peshmerga forces opened up a corridor to the footing. In neighboring Syria, where IS also official in Kobani, said that over the past days dance. And God takes care of the rest,” he Caesarean’. They don’t have such a right,” mountain and are regularly bringing truckloads controls a large chunk of land, the militants the Syrian Kurdish force known as the People’s added. he said. “The doctors’ job is to fulfil their of aid and food to the area. The clashes have have become bogged down in the fight for the Protection Units, or YPG, “has taken the initia- medical responsibilities not to follow the moved to the edges of Sinjar itself, which the predominantly Kurdish town of Kobane on the tive” and advanced in IS-held neighborhoods. ‘Women are not Incubators’ patients’ demands. Doctors must give the militants have held since August. Turkish border. Nassan said peshmerga fighters usually bom- Erdogan’s government has long been medical treatment that the patients have One Kurdish fighter, Bakhil Elias, said the Kurdish fighters have been slowly advancing bard IS positions in the town while YPG fighters accused by critics of seeking to impose a right to. The C-section is not one of fighting has been fierce. “They were using in Kobane in recent weeks with the support of carry out the ground attack with the help of strict Islamic values on Turks and curtailing those rights.” — AFP snipers and the peshmerga were responding Iraqi peshmerga fighters who came to help. The airstrikes that target militant positions. — AP Obama takes foreign policy risk, but on his own terms

WASHINGTON: US President Barack out of Washington. nizing congressional Republicans and Obama has been criticized as cautious The Iran talks were handled by a few Democrats, though his new on foreign policy, but the secret nego- State Department officials William position largely puts the US in line tiations on Cuba suggest a willingness Burns and Jake Sullivan, who have with how the rest of the world deals for bold and risky action, if he can since left the administration. The with the small island just 90 miles off keep tight control and rely on a few point person on China was White US shores. close aides. It’s a pattern Obama fol- House counselor John Podesta. There are few guarantees that lowed during clandestine talks with Leading the Cuba mission from the Obama will achieve his goals. The Iran that led to an interim nuclear deal White House were deputy national president has given the negotiations and in under-the-radar discussions security adviser Ben Rhodes and sen- over a final nuclear deal with Iran a 50 with China on a climate change ior Latin America adviser Ricardo percent chance of succeeding, and he agreement announced last month. Zuniga, who met with Cuban officials acknowledged on Friday that substan- tial political and social change may be slow to come to Cuba. On other foreign matters, Obama has proved less willing to gamble, especially when potential military options are up for discussion. For example, his policy on Syria’s civil war has been seen by critics and allies as slow and indecisive. The president has faced questions, too, about whether he has acted aggressively enough in helping Ukraine counter Russia; his response so far has relied chiefly on economic GAZA: Palestinians await permission to enter Egypt as they gather at the Rafah border crossing between Egypt penalties. They have contributed to a and southern Gaza Strip yesterday. Around 630 Palestinians left Gaza and entered the Egyptian Sinai through the precipitous fall in Russia’s currency, Rafah crossing the previous day after Cairo authorised a temporary reopening of the border, a Palestinian official but there is little indication that eco- said. —AFP nomic pain is causing Russian President Vladimir Putin to pull back from Ukraine. “It’s great when you can do something with two guys in the Syria allows medicine White House,” said Jon Alterman, senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. deliveries to Aleppo “When you get a higher level of com- plexity, people are baffled at what the WASHINGTON: In this Dec 20, 2013 file photo, US President Barack Obama administration is trying to do.” BEIRUT: The Syrian government has Ministry of Health and the Ministry of fighters and government troops. “We listens to a question during his end-of-the-year news conference in the Beyond diplomacy, Obama also approved the delivery of medicine Foreign Affairs. We see a positive out- also promised to deliver vaccines for Brady Press Room at the White House.—AP has taken risks by approving rescue and surgical supplies to three areas of look,” Hoff said. “We have had some regular vaccination programs to the country aid workers were previ- constraints in the past with delivering Eastern Ghouta which has been attempts of hostages in Syria and Such diplomatic breakthroughs have nine times in Canada and at the ously unable to reach regularly, surgical supplies, syringes, but the sit- closed for a long time,” Hoff said. Yemen, and aggressively used drones buoyed Obama and may help counter Vatican. including opposition-held Aleppo, the uation is much better at the moment,” “These are the prospects for the next and special operations forces against charges that his responses to other In each instance, the advisers’ close World Health Organization said yes- she said. two weeks and approved by the gov- terrorists, including the 2011 raid in international matters, including the proximity to the president was intend- terday. All sides in Syria’s three-year The United Nations says 4.7 million ernment.” rise of Islamic State militants and ed to send a message to their coun- Pakistan that led to the death of civil war have prevented medicine Syrians live in areas that are hard to Syrian activists in these areas say Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, are terparts that they were negotiating Osama bin Laden. Yet Obama some- from crossing front lines fearing it reach, including at least 241,000 peo- disease is spreading due to poor sani- weak and ineffective. with Obama’s full authority. The over- times has helped perpetuate the could be used to help wounded ene- ple who remain besieged by either tary conditions and government “Around the world, America is lead- tures to Iran and Cuba were gambles image of a president paralyzed at the my fighters. This has deprived trapped government or opposition forces. “We siege. A plunge in vaccination rates ing,” Obama said Friday in a year-end for Obama. The US was negotiating prospect of risk. When Obama was civilians from life-saving medical assis- have actually got promises to deliver from 90 percent before the war to 52 news conference. The president cited with two countries with whom it had asked this year to outline his foreign tance. to Aleppo and the hard to reach areas percent this year and contaminated the announcement that he was nor- not had diplomatic relations in policy doctrine, he described it a strat- Elizabeth Hoff, the WHO’s Syria rep- around Aleppo. This will happen this water have allowed disease to take malizing diplomatic relations with decades. Leaks about the talks could egy that “avoids errors”. “You hit sin- resentative, told Reuters the govern- week. And next week we have deliv- hold. Insecurity from the war remains Cuba after more than five decades of have undermined what little trust gles, you hit doubles,” Obama said, ment has now promised access to eries for Mouadamiya, which has been the biggest impediment to aid deliv- Cold War acrimony with the commu- there was on either side. turning to a baseball analogy. “Every Aleppo, the besieged Damascus dis- besieged for a long time,” she aid. eries, Hoff said. More than 200,000 nist island nation and “turning a new In opening a direct channel with once in a while we may be able to hit trict of Mouadamiya, and Eastern United Nations peace envoy people have been killed in Syria’s con- page in our relationship with the Iran, Obama also risked angering a home run.” Some supporters Ghouta, outside the capital. “It is Staffan de Mistura has proposed a flict, which began in March 2011 with Cuban people.” The secret talks with Israel, which sees the Islamic Republic cringed, believing that description something that we have been negoti- freeze in fighting in Aleppo to help popular protests against President Cuba, like the negotiations with Iran and its pursuit of a nuclear weapon as misconstrued an appropriately cau- ating, after the constraints we’ve had, get humanitarian assistance into the Bashar Al-Assad and spiralled into civil and China, were carried out by a small an existential threat. In shifting course tious approach in a complicated we have had top level meetings. There city that has been divided for more war after a crackdown by security number of officials who slipped in and on Cuba, the president risked antago- world. —AP has been a willingness from the than two years between opposition forces. —Reuters INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 Police slaying raises pressure on NY mayor NEW YORK: New York Mayor Bill de Blasio faced the Michael Bloomberg. The deaths of Garner in New York staff and the 13-year-old son of one of the deceased wounded his former girlfriend in a Baltimore suburb biggest crisis of his political career on Sunday after a and Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, led to sometimes vio- officers bid his father good-bye in a Facebook post. “It’s before traveling to New York City and attacking the offi- gunman killed two police officers in an attack intended lent protests across the United States. A grand jury also horrible that someone gets shot dead just for being a cers while they were sitting in their patrol car. Just to avenge recent police killings of unarmed black men declined to charge the officer involved in Brown’s police officer,” wrote the son of Rafael Ramos, 40, who before the shooting, Brinsley said to two bystanders, in the United States. New York police officers turned death. The cases provoked a bitter public debate about was killed alongside his police partner, 32-year-old “Watch what I’m going to do,” NYPD Chief of Detectives their backs on de Blasio in protest during a news con- race and law enforcement that has drawn in President Wenjian Liu. Robert Boyce told a news conference. Brinsley killed ference and their union said the mayor had blood on Barack Obama and his black attorney general, Eric Funeral plans had not yet been announced for himself soon after the shooting. Georgia court docu- his hands after Saturday’s shooting. Police investigators Holder. Leaders of recent anti-police protests, including Ramos and Liu, who were the first on-duty police offi- ments portray Brinsley as having had numerous run-ins have said the killings were the work of a 28-year-old longtime New York civil rights activist Reverend Al cers to die in gunfire in the city since 2011. But the cere- with the law and possible mental trouble. He was black man with a long arrest record who may have had Sharpton, have condemned the officers’ murder. About monies could end up underscoring the divisions booked into jail in Fulton County, Georgia, nine times past mental troubles and who warned of his intentions 100 protesters, part of a group who recently met with between the police and the mayor. The police union between 2004 and 2010 on charges including simple on social media. de Blasio to call for police reforms, held a demonstra- had previously started a campaign in which officers battery, obstructing a law enforcement officer and ter- The gunman’s posts on Instagram indicated he had tion on Sunday night in Harlem. In contrast to usually could fill out a form asking de Blasio and other city offi- roristic threats. been motivated by the deaths of 18-year-old Michael boisterous protests critical of police, participants cials not to attend their funerals if they were to die in A sentencing document in Cobb County, Georgia, Brown and Eric Garner at the hands of police officers. marched in silence bearing candles. A candlelight vigil the line of duty. It was not clear on Sunday how many where he pleaded guilty to weapons charges in 2011 De Blasio was elected last year on a promise to advance for the slain officers was also held in Brooklyn near the officers had filled out the forms. showed that when asked if he had ever been a patient civil rights after two decades of tough policing helped scene of the shooting. Obama, briefed on Saturday in a mental hospital or been under the care of a psy- New York shed its reputation for violent crime. He has about the police deaths while on vacation in Hawaii, Police on Edge chologist or psychiatrist, Brinsley said, “Yes,” but there been sympathetic to the protesters who poured into called New York Police Commissioner William Bratton Across the country, police departments were on were no details of his mental problems. He said he had New York’s streets after a grand jury declined earlier this on Sunday to express condolences for the killing. edge on Sunday following the attack in New York and gone as far as 10th grade in school. He was arrested a month to indict the officer who killed Garner in a Bratton heads the largest police department in the another in Florida. A police officer on duty outside total of 19 times, Boyce said. Members of Brinsley’s fam- chokehold in July as he resisted arrest. country. Tampa was shot to death early Sunday and a suspect ily told NYPD investigators that he had attempted sui- The mayor’s stance has led to sometimes tense rela- has been arrested, local authorities reported. There was cide in the past and that his mother believed he had tions with the city’s largest police union. Critics within ‘Tension and Division’ no indication yet of a motive. The St Louis Police undiagnosed mental health issues, Boyce said. “His the force view the mayor as not supportive enough at a New York’s Roman Catholic cardinal, Timothy Dolan, Officers Association on Sunday asked the department mother expressed fear of him and hadn’t seen him in a time of public anger. “Mayors tend not to do well when warned of rising tensions during a Sunday service to step up security, while Baltimore’s police union said month,” Boyce told reporters. Police identified Brinsley’s the police department and its officers are not happy,” attended by de Blasio and Bratton. “We worry about a the current political environment was the most danger- former girlfriend as Shaneka Nicole Thompson, 29. She said New York political strategist Hank Sheinkopf, city tempted to tension and division,” Dolan said at St ous for officers since the 1960s. was in critical but stable condition at an area hospital, whose clients have included de Blasio’s predecessor, Patrick’s Cathedral. Flags across the state flew at half Police said the gunman, Ismaaiyl Brinsley, shot and police said. — Reuters Ex-officer not Police departments on charged in fatal Milwaukee shooting alert after cop killings MILWAUKEE: A white Milwaukee police officer who was fired after he fatally shot a mentally ill black man in April won’t face criminal charges, the county’s top prosecutor said yesterday. Milwaukee County District Attorney John Fears rise about safety of law enforcement officials Chisholm said Christopher Manney won’t be charged because he shot Dontre Hamilton in self-defense. Manney NEW YORK: Big-city police departments and union leaders is at least the third white police officer to not be charged around the US are warning the rank and file to wear bulletin the past month after a confrontation that led to a black proof vests and avoid making inflammatory posts on social man’s death. media in the days after a man ambushed two officers and shot “This was a tragic incident for the Hamilton family and them to death inside their patrol car. The killings of Officers for the community,” Chisholm said in a statement. “But, Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu on Saturday afternoon in the based on all the evidence and analysis presented in this New York borough of Brooklyn heightened fears about the report, I come to the conclusion that Officer Manney’s use safety of law enforcement officials nationwide. The gunman, of force in this incident was justified self-defense and that 28-year-old Ismaaiyl Brinsley, had vowed in an Instagram post defense cannot be reasonably overcome to establish a to put “wings on pigs” as retaliation for the deaths of black basis to charge Officer Manney with a crime.” men at the hands of white police. Brinsley was black; the slain The Hamilton family released a statement through New York Police Department officers were Hispanic and Asian. their attorney saying they were “extremely disappointed” Officials in New York investigated at least a dozen threats with the decision and that the case “cries out for justice, against police since the shootings, and one man was arrested criminal charges against Christopher Manney, and at a Manhattan precinct after he walked in and said: “If I punch accountability to Dontre Hamilton’s family.” The family you in the face, how long would I go to jail?” and refused to said it has asked the US attorney in Milwaukee to seek a leave. Investigators are trying to determine if Brinsley had tak- federal investigation. Manney’s attorney did not immedi- en part in any protests over the deaths of Michael Brown and ately return a message seeking comment. Eric Garner, whose names he invoked in his online threat, or The executive director of the American Civil Liberties simply latched onto the cause for the final act in a violent ram- Union of Wisconsin, Chris Ahmuty, issued a statement page. saying the decision not to charge Manney left “a cloud of The killings come at a tense time as police nationwide are uncertainty over the circumstances of and the responsi- being criticized following Garner’s death in a New York offi- bility for Mr Hamilton’s death”. Manney shot 31-year-old cer’s chokehold and Brown’s fatal shooting in Ferguson, Hamilton on April 30 after responding to a call for a wel- Missouri. Protests erupted in recent weeks after grand juries fare check on a man sleeping in a downtown park. declined to charge the officers involved. After the officers’ Manney said Hamilton resisted when he tried to frisk him. killings, a union-generated message at the 35,000-officer The two exchanged punches before Hamilton got a hold NYPD warned officers that they should respond to every radio of Manney’s baton and hit him on the neck with it, the NEW YORK: New York City police officers gather near a makeshift memorial yesterday near the site where fellow officers call with two cars - “no matter what the opinion of the patrol former officer has said. Manney then opened fire, hitting Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu were murdered in the Brooklyn borough. — AP supervisor” - and not make arrests “unless absolutely neces- Hamilton 14 times. sary.” The president of the detectives’ union told members in a Several witnesses told police they saw Hamilton hold- record, hatred for police and the government and apparent “Watch what I’m going to do,” Boyce said. Then Brinsley letter to work in threes when out on the street, wear bullet- ing Manney’s baton “in an aggressive posture” before history of mental instability that included an attempt to hang approached the squad car and fired four shots, killing the proof vests and keep aware of their surroundings. Manney shot him, according to Chisholm’s news release. himself a year ago. Brinsley had at least 19 arrests in other policemen. He ran into the subway station and committed sui- Another directive warned officers in Newark, New Jersey, Chisholm consulted with two experts on the use of force states, spent two years in prison for gun possession and had a cide. not to patrol alone and to avoid people looking for confronta- by police officers, and both concluded Manney’s conduct troubled childhood so violent that his mother was afraid of The shootings also deepened acrimony between rank- tions. At the same time, a memo from an NYPD chief asked was justified. Emanuel Kapelsohn of the Peregrine him, police said. He ranted online about authority figures and and-file police and Mayor Bill de Blasio. Their union president officers to limit their comments “via all venues, including Corporation concluded that all the shots were discharged expressed “self-despair and anger at himself and where his life recently suggested officers sign a petition telling the mayor social media, to expressions of sorrow and condolence.” In in 3 or 4 seconds and there was no evidence that Manney was,” Boyce said. not to attend their funerals if they died on duty, and some Philadelphia, Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey urged the continued firing after Hamilton hit the ground. Police Hours before shooting the officers, Brinsley had shot and officers turned their backs on de Blasio Saturday as he leaders of protests over the deaths of Garner and Brown to have no video of the event. wounded his ex-girlfriend, Shaneka Thompson, at her home in walked through the hospital where Liu and Ramos had been “call for calm and not let this escalate any further.” In Boston, Manney also suffered minor injuries, including a bite Baltimore. After leaving Baltimore, authorities said, Brinsley taken. Police Commissioner William Bratton said Monday on Police Commissioner William Evans said police issued an alert to his right thumb, a neck strain and neck contusion, the took a bus north to New York City and used Thompson’s NBC’s “Today” show that he didn’t consider that gesture warning officers about the New York City killings and added report said. He treated for post-concussion syndromes, a phone to write on Instagram: “They take 1 of ours, let’s take 2 appropriate, “but it’s reflective of the anger of some” police that the department had issued several alerts following the mild traumatic brain injury and had physical therapy for of theirs.” He ended the post with references to the Brown and officers. The mayor has lost some officers’ confidence, Ferguson grand jury’s decision. bicep and rotator cuff injuries, the report said. Hamilton’s Garner cases. Once in New York and shortly before he opened Bratton said, but he suggested that recent pension changes At a news conference in New York on Sunday, Chief of family said he suffered from schizophrenia and had fire on the officers, Brinsley walked up to people on the street and ongoing contract negotiations also had contributed to Detectives Robert Boyce detailed Brinsley’s long criminal recently stopped taking his medication. Police Chief and asked them to follow him on Instagram, then told them, the uneasy atmosphere. — AP Edward Flynn fired Manney in October. He said at the time that Manney correctly identified Hamilton as mentally ill, but ignored department policy and treated him as a criminal by frisking him.—AP Immigrants line up for Arizona driving licenses

PHOENIX: Dozens of young immigrants protected from deportation under an Obama administration policy lined up outside government offices Monday in Arizona to apply for driver’s licenses, a privilege first denied by the state but now given to them by the courts. Yesterday marked the first day they could get licenses after a judge barred enforcement of Gov Jan Brewer’s policy of denying licenses to about 20,000 immigrants living in the country illegally. Young immigrants waited outside a Motor Vehicle Division office in west Phoenix an hour before it opened. A cheer erupted when the office’s doors opened. They said they were excited to finally get the chance to drive legally. Many said they had been driving to their jobs for years without licenses and feared being pulled over. Young immigrants have said the governor’s policy made it difficult or impossible for them to get essential things done in their everyday lives, such as going to school, work or the store. State officials are expecting a rush of immigrant applicants in the weeks ahead. The move in Arizona to deny the licenses was a reaction to steps taken by the Obama administration in 2012 to shield thousands of immigrants from deportation. The president’s policy applied to people younger than 30 who came to the US before turning 16; have been in the country for at least five continuous years; are enrolled in or have graduated from a high school or equivalent program; or have served in the military. In the nation’s most visible challenge to Obama’s deferred-action program, Brewer issued an executive order in Aug 2012 directing state agencies to deny driver’s licenses and other public benefits to immigrants who get work author- ization under the policy. Her attorneys have argued that the decision grew out of liability concerns and the desire to reduce the risk of the licenses being used to improperly access public benefits. Despite her belief that issuing licenses is a state matter, Brewer’s office confirmed she would comply with the court’s orders.—AP p10 2_Layout 1 12/22/14 8:32 PM Page 1

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 INTERNATIONAL Brutal French driver attack ‘not a terrorist act’

DIJON, France: A Frenchman who down any links between the two inci- Burundi soon after the Saturday inci- Thursday, although people who knew psychological disorder” and had visited ploughed into pedestrians shouting dents, with President Francois Hollande dent, intelligence services there said him said at the weekend they refused to psychiatric hospital 157 times. “God is great” had been to psychiatric urging the French not to panic and gov- yesterday. believe the attack was spurred by radical She said he told police that he hospital 157 times and had no known ernment spokesman Stephane Le Foll “He has been detained in our premis- Islamism. ploughed into people due to a sudden links to jihadist groups, a prosecutor said warning against “lumping them togeth- es and he is being questioned,” intelli- “outburst of empathy for the children of yesterday, easing concerns the attack er.” In Saturday’s attack, Bertrand gence spokesman Telesphore Acted for Chechnya children Chechnya.” “He was not guided by reli- was inspired by Islamic extremism. Nzohabonayo, a French convert to Islam Bigirimana said. The anti-terror branch The second attack on Sunday also gion but because he felt that politically The incident in the eastern town of who was born in Burundi, was shot dead of the Paris prosecutor’s office quickly saw the assailant shout “God is great”, he had to react,” she said, adding that Dijon left 13 people hurt in a scene one after entering a police station in Joue- took over a probe into the attack amid witnesses told police. The driver target- nothing had been found at his parents’ witness described as “apocalyptic” and les-Tours armed with a knife, seriously heightened vigilance over potential ed groups of passers-by at five different home that would suggest he had any came a day after a man assaulted police wounding two officers and hurting “lone wolf” attacks by individuals heed- locations in Dijon in a rampage that last- interest in the Islamic State group or in the central town of Joue-les-Tours another. The assault prompted the gov- ing calls for violence by the Islamic State ed around half an hour, before being other extremist gatherings. A witness to with a knife, slashing one officer in the ernment to step up security at police jihadist group. The radical group has arrested. Interior Minister Bernard his rampage, meanwhile, described an face. That man, who was shot dead, had and fire stations nationwide. repeatedly singled out France for such Cazeneuve, who visited the town on “apocalyptic scene.” “We were going also reportedly shouted the Islamic Nzohabonayo had previously com- attacks, most recently in a video posted Monday, said 13 people were injured in home, we saw four people on the phrase that has previously been used by mitted petty offences but was not on a on jihadist sites. the rampage though none of the victims ground... who weren’t moving at all,” said extremists when waging violent attacks- domestic intelligence watch-list Bertrand Nzohabonayo, who had tak- are critical. the witness, who refused to be named. prompting speculation both assaults although his brother Brice is known for en the name Bilal when he converted to Local prosecutor Marie-Christine “Cars stopped to give them first aid. Very were motivated by radical Islamism. his radical views and once pondered Islam, had posted a flag of the Islamic Tarrare told reporters that the man, born quickly, firefighters and emergency But French leaders were quick to play going to Syria. Brice was arrested in State group on his Facebook page in 1974, had a “long-lasting and severe medical workers arrived.” — AFP Pope’s scathing attack on Vatican plagued by ills

VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis lambasted the of his favorite themes: the evils of gossip. Vatican’s bureaucracy yesterday, saying Backstabbing by “cowards who don’t have some within the Church lusted for power the courage to say things openly” is tanta- and suffered from “spiritual Alzheimer’s” in mount to “murder in cold blood”, he said. comments likely to outrage his adversaries. The diatribe will doubtless fuel the opposi- The Argentine used a Christmas speech to tion to the reform-minded Francis which cardinals, bishops and priests to list a cata- has been growing within the Church, logue of ailments plaguing the the very top according to Vatican watchers. of the Church. But religious expert Gianni Valente told He said the Vatican was riven with “exis- La Stampa’s Vatican Insider that he would tential schizophrenia”, “social exhibition- also be applauded for “calling the diseases ism”, “spiritual Alzheimer’s” and a lust for which plague his surroundings by their power, all of which made for an “orchestra names.” His performance “foiled once more that plays out of tune”. the stereotype of the ‘Latin American mar- The outspoken pope also warned tian’ who is unaccustomed to the Roman against greed, egoism and people who and European ‘complexities’ with which his think they are “immortal”. detractors and aspiring courtiers try to It is not the first time the 78-year-old has neutralize him,” he said. taken on the scandal-hit, intrigue-filled Francis was elected in March last year on Curia, and called for them to renounce gos- a mandate to overhaul the Vatican and put sip and act responsibly. But rarely has he an end to decades of infighting within the used such vivid terms to describe the sins powerful but troubled body. Since then he he says afflict the heart of the Italian-domi- has establish a series of specialist bodies to nated body, and the speech was very stoni- tackle corruption and poor management, ly received. including the naming of eight cardinals He slammed those who are slave to from around the world to advise him on their “passions, caprices and manias” as well the Curia’s overhaul. as those who “possess a heart of stone and Despite winning the hearts of many reli- a stiff neck”. He bemoaned the “scandal” gious and non-religious people alike BARCELONA: This combination of two images shows (right) Spain’s Princess Cristina arriving to attend a funeral mass for former International caused by infighting and those who live a around the world, the pope has also made Olympic Committee president Juan Antonio Samaranch at Barcelona’s cathedral on April 22, 2010 and Spanish King’s son-in-law and husband “double life”-their public one and a “hidden enemies, particularly within the conserva- of Princess Cristina, Inaki Urdangarin (left) arriving to the courthouse in Barcelona on July 16, 2013. — AFP and often immoral” one. tive arm of the Church. Francis’s attempts He pitied those who, ridden with jeal- to kick-start dialogue within the Church ousy, “feel joy in seeing others fall down” earlier this year over a possible new and urged top official to help him find a approach to remarried, divorced people Spain’s Princess Cristina to “cure”. The pope advised red-hatted cardi- and homosexuals sparked an outcry in nals full of their own self-importance to some quarters. “pay a visit to the cemeteries” to look at His most vocal critic, the American cardi- stand trial in tax fraud case those “who thought they were immortal, nal Raymond Burke, was later demoted. immune and indispensable!” But Vatican watcher Andrea Tornielli said yesterday’s speech did not herald “the start Another blow to monarchy trying to revive its image ‘Cold-blooded murder’ of witch-hunting season”, with other red And with relish, he also returned to one hats ready to roll. —AFP MADRID: Cristina de Borbon, sister of Spain’s bankers among others, and have eroded princess is accused of two tax crimes. Her lawyer King Felipe VI, is to stand trial on tax fraud Spaniards’ faith in their institutions after a major Miquel Roca said yesterday said she had been charges as soon as next year, becoming the first economic crisis and a government austerity surprised by the court order. Spanish law can Spanish royal to face prosecution. Princess drive. As Spain heads into a general election allow the accused to escape trial if the victim of Cristina’s father Juan Carlos abdicated in June year, corruption will be high on the political a crime - in this instance, the Spanish state - after a series of scandals, and his son Felipe is agenda. Polls show the issue as Spaniards’ sec- does not back the charges, as was the case here. riding high in opinion polls. He has tried to mod- ond biggest concern after sky-high unemploy- He said Cristina would be launching an ernize the monarchy and has taken away rights ment. New anti-establishment party Podemos - appeal based on that. “It’s a serious, surprising and duties from his two sisters, neither of whom “we can” in Spanish - has already benefited from and exceptional situation,” Roca told journalists. is now formally part of the royal family. the disaffection, and threatens to eat away at The couple have been ordered to deposit Prosecutors have been conducting an investi- support for mainstream political leaders, includ- funds with the court to cover possible liabili- gation into the affairs of Cristina’s husband, for- ing those from the ruling centre-right People’s ties - 2.6 million euros ($3.2 million) in the case mer Olympic handball player Inaki Urdangarin, Party (PP) and the opposition Socialists. Cristina of Cristina, and nearly 15 million for for four years. and her husband have both denied any wrong- Urdanganrin. They now have 20 days to They have ordered Cristina, 49, Urdangarin doing in the case, triggered by a complaint from deposit the money, according to a written and 15 others to stand trial in the case involving anti-graft campaigners Manos Limpias - “clean court ruling, or face having assets seized. his Noos Foundation charity, the High Court of hands” in Spanish. Cristina remains sixth in line to the throne. A the Balearic Islands said yesterday. Graft investi- Urdangarin has been charged with breach of spokesman for the royal household declined to gations in Spain have exposed high-level cor- legal duty, embezzling public funds, fraud, influ- comment on whether the princess would give ruption among politicians, trade unions and ence-peddling and money-laundering. The up her succession rights. —Reuters

Greek parliament vote in balance after KIEV: Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko (right) listens as his Kazakh counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev speaks during their statements for the results of the talks in Kiev Samaras election offer yesterday. Nazarbayev is in Ukraine for a one-day working visit. — AFP ATHENS: Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras’ surprise offer to lawmakers to go to the polls late next year in Crisis-hit Russia’s top allies exchange for a vote for his presidential nominee has inject- ed fresh momentum into his flight against the anti-austeri- build ties with Ukraine ty left. However, as parliament prepares for a second round of voting today to elect a successor to 85 year-old KIEV: Kazakh President Nursultan and possibly even topple his team. President Karolos Papoulias, the outcome still appears Nazarbayev followed his Belarussian coun- The veteran Kremlin leader is due today open with only a handful of independents pledging firm terpart to Ukraine yesterday as Moscow’s to receive both Nazarbayev and support to the government. old allies built bridges to Europe while Lukashenko for a summit of leaders from If a new president is not elected by a third round on Dec SKOPJE: Protesters hold a banner “No to state racketeering” during a protest yester- Russia’s financial crisis and diplomatic isola- neighboring nations that have formed a 29, elections will have to be held by early February, poten- day in Skopje against the new law for freelance workers yesterday. From January 1, tion grew. Both visits were ostensibly made loose military bloc. tially handing power to Syriza, the main leftwing opposi- the government will take 37 percent of the fees for social and health security. — AFP to kickstart stalled peace negotiations But his relations with Lukashenko have tion party, which wants to renegotiate the international between Kiev and the two Russian-speak- been strained by the Belarussian strong- bailout agreement that Greece still needs to keep its bat- ing regions of eastern Ukraine that rebelled man’s refusal to let Russian industrial giants tered finances afloat. Such an outcome could rock the Court opens case against against Kiev in April. take over his state companies in return for euro-zone, which is only just emerging from its debt crisis. Belarussian President Alexander discounted energy deliveries. Greek media reported yesterday that Samaras’ candi- Lukashenko hosted such talks in And Nazarbayev has balanced his date, Stavros Dimas, could get 169 votes in the second Catalan leader for vote September and is hoping to do so again in Central Asian country’s interests evenly round, still 11 short of the 180 vote threshold required in Minsk in the coming days. But Nazarbayev between those of Russia and China-its the decisive third vote, leaving the race still too close to BARCELONA: Catalonia’s president Artur and organized by volunteers. But prosecu- has no evident link to the eight-month con- southeastern neighbor and increasingly call. The second vote needs 200. “There are already a few Mas was placed under investigation yester- tors allege Mas and other Catalan officials flict and remains a prominent member of a important trading partner. “Kazakhstan has additional positive votes but I think that the chances of day for holding a banned vote on whether used their influence as well as public mon- Russian-dominated economic union that equal regard for both Russia and Ukraine,” electing a president are extremely slim,” said Costas his region should be independent from ey to hold the ballot. The Catalan govern- includes Belarus and once had aspirations Nazarbayev said on the eve of his visit to Panagopoulos, the head of Athens-based polling institute Spain. The Catalonia High Court said that ment says 2.3 million people took part in to enlist Ukraine. Kiev. ALCO. Mas was under judicial investigation for the vote on November 9. Roughly 80 per- A senior Ukrainian official told AFP that “We have no conflicts of interest. I am With financial markets and Greece’s European partners flouting a injunction against holding the cent of those who voted-some 1.86 million both leaders-criticized in the West for their what they call an honest broker.” all watching closely, voting on Tuesday will begin at mid- symbolic vote on November 9. people-favored independence. intolerance of political dissent-were now Lukashenko also appeared keen to cast day (1000 GMT), with the result likely around an hour later. Prosecutors have accused him of civil Mas is in favor of independence and trying to shake off the Kremlin and forge himself as someone ready to stand up to Dimas is not expected to be elected on Tuesday, but the disobedience, abuse of power and embez- wants a full referendum on it, but Spain’s partnerships in Europe because Russian Russia if their views did not coincide, dur- result will offer a pointer to the final result. Only five inde- zlement of public funds for pressing ahead conservative government has vowed to President Vladimir Putin “is weak”. Some ing talks with Ukrainian President Petro pendents backed Dimas in the first round, giving the gov- with the vote. If charges were brought prevent any breakup of the country. Pro- political analysts in Russia agreed. Poroshenko on Sunday. He appeared to be ernment 160 votes. Samaras, whose normal term ends in against him, Mas could risk a jail sentence independence feeling has surged in the “This is an unambiguous signal to Putin,” referring to Putin when he told the mid-2016, called on parliament for support on Sunday, of several years and a ban from public rich region over recent years, fanned by dis- said Konstantin Kalachyov of Moscow’s Ukrainian leader: “They keep saying that promising to bring pro-European independents into the office. agreements with the central government Political Expert Group think tank. “Both Lukashenko is afraid of someone. But I am government and hold new elections by the end of 2015 in “Personally I do not understand these over Catalan sovereignty and the economic Kazakhstan and Belarus fear that their not afraid.” exchange for voting in Dimas. accusations, that someone should take you crisis. union with Russia will be engulfed by (an Belarussian state media then quoted Syriza and the small Democratic Left and Independent to court for organizing a vote,” Mas said However a poll by Mas’s regional gov- economic) crisis.” Lukashenko as saying that he supported Greeks parties have all rejected the offer. yesterday ahead of the court’s announce- ernment published last week indicated for holding “secret” negotiations about build- The main Athens index rose 2 percent at first on hopes ment. “But I fully respect the courts’ deci- the first time that those opposed to inde- ‘Honest broker’ ing stronger cross-border ties with Ukraine. of a deal that could avert snap elections. However it fell sions.” An injunction by Spain’s pendence narrowly outnumbered those in Putin angrily rejects backing Ukraine’s “Let’s not say anything to anyone at all back later to trade flat. The already uncertain outlook was Constitutional Court had forced Mas to favor. Of the Catalans questioned, 45.3 per- separatist fighters and calls the waves of but do it in secret-just as long as there is complicated on Friday by claims of an attempt to bribe an water down cent said they would vote against breaking Western sanctions a remnant of Cold War- progress in this direction,” Lukashenko was Independent Greeks lawmaker to vote with the govern- his plan for an official vote. Instead the away from Spain while 44.5 said they era thinking designed to contain Russia quoted as saying.—AFP ment.—Reuters November 9 ballot was merely symbolic would vote in favor of such a move. —AFP INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 Protests in India over conversions set back reform agenda

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reform agenda suffered a setback yesterday as protests erupted in parliament and in the streets over a campaign by Hindu hardliners linked to his party to convert Muslims and Christians to Hinduism. Opposition members threw papers and swarmed to the centre of the upper house of parliament, forcing the suspension of the session and effectively preventing the government from tabling a bill to increase foreign participation in the insurance sector. The long-pending insurance legislation to raise the cap on foreign investment to 49 percent from 26 percent, and another bill to replace a decree to overhaul the coal sector, were considered low-hanging fruits that PESHAWAR: A grieving Pakistani family departs an army-run school in Peshawar yesterday where their family member Ali was killed during the December 16 massacre by Taleban mil- Modi hoped to push through parliament’s winter ses- itants. — AFP sion, which ends on Tuesday. But comments by the head of the right-wing Hindu group, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, that India Pakistan to execute 500 was a “Hindu nation” provoked a storm of criticism, snuffing out any chance of opposition support for government business in the upper house of parliament, where Modi lacks a majority. terror convicts in weeks “This is an attempt to divide the society,” Nitish Kumar, an opposition leader from the state of Bihar told hundreds of people at a protest in New Delhi, referring Troops intensify operations against Taleban to religious conversions. “The government is not capable of resolving the core issues of our country, so they ISLAMABAD: Pakistan plans to execute around 500 militants in military ruler Pervez Musharraf in 2003, while one was involved in offensive in the tribal northwest. The offensive against longstand- want to divide the society and distract people.” coming weeks, officials said yesterday, after the government lifted a 2009 attack on army headquarters. ing Taleban and other militant strongholds in North Waziristan Modi is facing a backlash for not doing enough to a moratorium on the death penalty in terror cases following a Police, troops and paramilitary rangers have been deployed and Khyber tribal agencies has been going on since June. But a rein in hardline affiliate groups that have become Taleban school massacre. across the country and airports and prisons put on red alert dur- series of fresh strikes since the Peshawar attack, in which dozens emboldened in their pursuit of a Hindu-dominant agen- Six militants have been hanged since Friday amid rising public ing the executions and as troops intensify operations against of alleged militants were killed, suggest the campaign is being da, threatening India’s secular foundations, critics say. anger over Tuesday’s slaughter in the northwestern city of Taleban militants. Sharif has ordered the attorney general’s office stepped up. The decision to reinstate executions was condemned Trouble erupted this month after a group of Muslims Peshawar, which left 149 people dead including 133 children. to “actively pursue” capital cases currently in the courts, a govern- by human rights groups, with the United Nations also calling for complained they had been tricked into attending a con- After the deadliest terror attack in Pakistani history, Prime Minister ment spokesman said. The “prime minister has also issued direc- Pakistan to reconsider. Human Rights Watch on Saturday said the version ceremony by Hindu groups. A Hindu priest- Nawaz Sharif ended the six-year moratorium on the death penal- tions for appropriate measures for early disposal of pending cases executions were “a craven politicized reaction to the Peshawar turned-lawmaker of Modi’s party had planned a mass ty, reinstating it for terrorism-related cases. related to terrorism,” the spokesman said, without specifically con- killings” and demanded no further hangings be carried out. conversion ceremony on Christmas Day, but that has “Interior ministry has finalized the cases of 500 convicts who firming the plan to execute 500 people. Pakistan began its de facto moratorium on civilian executions in been put off. have exhausted all the appeals, their mercy petitions have been Pakistan has described Tuesday’s bloody school rampage, 2008, but hanging remains on the statute books and judges con- About a fifth of India’s 1.2 billion people identify turned down by the president and their executions will take place claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taleban Pakistan (TTP), as its own “mini tinue to pass death sentences. Before Friday’s resumption, only themselves as belonging to faiths other than Hinduism. in coming weeks,” a senior government official told AFP on condi- 9/11,” calling it a game-changer in the fight against extremism. one person had been executed since 2008 — a soldier convicted Conversion is a sensitive issue with Hindu groups saying tion of anonymity. Political and military leaders vowed to redouble efforts to by a court martial and hanged in November 2012. Rights cam- many poor Hindus were forced over the ages to give up A second official confirmed the information. Of the six hanged stamp out the scourge of terror in the wake of the attack, which paigners say Pakistan overuses its anti-terror laws and courts to their faith, or lured into Christianity and Islam. so far, five were involved in a failed attempt to assassinate then the TTP said was revenge for the killing of their families in an army prosecute ordinary crimes. — AFP Yesterday, opposition Congress party leader Anand Sharma urged Modi to make clear where he stood on conversions. Modi actively communicates via social media and addresses the nation every month on radio, but has not commented on conversions, letting colleagues tackle the criticism. — Reuters

NEW DELHI: Rashtriya Janata Dal and Samajwadi Party supporters participate in an anti government protest in New Delhi yesterday. The protesters voiced their disap- proval for right wing Hindu groups allied to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party conducting a series of cere- monies across India over the past week to convert Christians and Muslims to Hinduism. —AP

Afghan forces launch operations near Pakistan

ASADABAD, Afghanistan: Afghan security forces have launched an operation against militants in an eastern province seen as a rear base for the Pakistani Taleban which carried out a school massacre last week, officials said yesterday. Pakistan’s army chief met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul in the aftermath of the school attack in the Pakistani city of Peshawar which killed 149 people, mainly children. The army chief sought Ghani’s support in defeating the Tehreek-e-Taleban Pakistan (TTP). TTP leader Mullah Fazlullah is believed to be hiding in Afghanistan’s Kunar province, which borders Pakistan’s restive tribal areas. Kunar has been the scene of fierce fighting between local forces and the Afghan Taleban for the past 10 days. “Afghan security forces have launched a joint anti-militant operations in several parts of Dangam district of Kunar province,” Dawlat Waziri, deputy defence ministry spokesman, said. “So far in the operation, 21 armed insur- gents have been killed and 33 others wounded,” Waziri said, adding that seven security personnel were wounded. Kunar governor Shujaul Mulk Jalala said more than 1,500 Afghan Taliban fighters attacked remote villages in Dangam. Jalala said Pakistani Taliban and Lashkar-e- Taiba militants were also battling Afghan security forces in Dangam. Pakistan has repeatedly asked Afghanistan to capture and hand over Fazlullah. Each nation has long accused the other of allowing militants to shelter in the border region and launch bloody attacks that threaten regional stability. The Afghan Taleban have stepped up their attacks as NATO wraps up its combat operations, which end on December 31. A follow-up mission of about 12,500 US-led NATO troops will stay on to train and support Afghan security forces. — AFP TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 INTERNATIONAL Australian PM under fire for women comments

SYDNEY: Australian Prime Minister Tony reshuffle as a “reset and refocus” for the new warp. “The problem isn’t that Tony Abbott’s by household budget,” tweeted scientist Lisa reshuffle was damage control. “No,” he told Abbott was accused yesterday of craving “a year, but found himself the brunt of criticism stuck in the past, it’s that he wants the rest of Harvey-Smith. Another said: “#thankstony, the Seven Network when asked if this was the world where men do the big jobs and women after saying his biggest achievement for Australia to go back there and keep him com- with the Carbon tax repeal I can buy a new case. “This is a good way to end the year after do the ironing” after saying his biggest women this year was repealing the carbon pany in a world where men do the big jobs apron,” while tweeter Willa McDonald added: “I a year of considerable achievement. “The vital achievement for females was reducing house- tax. and women do the ironing,” he said. know where I’d like to put my ironing board.” challenge of government next year is more hold bills by axing a carbon tax. The backlash “As many of us know, women are particu- Labor Senate leader Penny Wong added: “I jobs, more prosperity for families, but the way came after he unveiled sweeping changes larly focused on the household budget and think we can safely say that time and time Damage control? to achieve that is to build a stronger economy Sunday to his ministry, dumping Defense the repeal of the carbon tax means a Aus$550 again, over and over again, Tony Abbott just Since assuming power in September 2013, and that means continuing our work to get Minister David Johnston, promoting (US$447) a year benefit for the average fami- reminds us how out of touch he is with the the government has announced savings the budget back under control,” he added. Immigration Minister Scott Morrison and ly,” Abbott, who doubles up as minister for lives of women in modern Australia.” His com- across the board to rein in a growing budget Among the cabinet changes, Morrison was appointing only his second woman to cabi- women, told the Nine Network. ments spawned numerous digs on social deficit. But critics have slammed some of the moved to the social services ministry with net. In opposition Abbott, who was accused of media as women pondered what they would measures, which include slashing health and Abbott making welfare reform one of his key It followed recent opinion polls showing sexism by former leader Julia Gillard in an do with the extra money, with the hashtags education spending while tightening welfare priorities. Johnson was replaced by Health his personal approval rating and that of his infamous speech about misogyny, claimed #thankstony, #PutYourIronOut and #minister- benefits, as broken pre-election promises and Minister Peter Dutton while Assistant Education conservative government had plunged over repealing the tax would help women by low- forwomen trending, with people posting pic- too harsh. Minister Sussan Ley assumed the health and tough spending cuts and perceived broken ing electricity costs associated with ironing. tures of irons. There has also been criticism of the gov- sport portfolios, doubling the number of promises since coming to power late last year. Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese told “Was planning to write paper for ernment’s ability to adequately explain why women in the ministry. Julie Bishop is Foreign Abbott hit the airwaves yesterday to sell the Fairfax Media Abbott was stuck in a time Astrophysical Journal today but too distracted the cuts were needed, but Abbott denied the Minister. —AFP US Marine asks Philippines to dismiss murder case Trial opens in killing of Filipina transgender

MANILA: A US Marine facing trial for argued that prosecutors did not October after she checked in with assault during the preliminary the murder of a Filipina transgender present enough evidence to charge Pemberton, police in that city said. investigation other than the surmis- woman urged the Philippine him with the killing of Jennifer But the petition argued that the es and conjectures of the supposed Department of Justice yesterday to Laude. evidence linking Pemberton to the witnesses and the baseless conclu- dismiss the case against him. The body of Laude 26, also killing was “based on nothing but sions of the (Olongapo) police,” the In a petition filed with the known as Jeffrey, was found at a conjectures and speculations”. petition argued. department, the lawyer for Private cheap hotel in the red light district “There was no evidence presented The murder case against First Class Joseph Pemberton of the northern port of Olongapo in as to the details of the purported Pemberton was filed with an Olongapo court which issued a formal arrest warrant for him last week. However a petition to the justice department is also an option for the accused in such criminal cases. Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha (second right) and Chinese Premier Pemberton also wanted court Li Keqiang (right) prepare to inspect Chinese honor guards during a wel- hearings suspended pending a come ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing yesterday. Prayut decision on his petition. But Chan-o-cha is on a visit to China from Dec 22 to 23. —AFP Philippine prosecutors argued that this would delay proceedings, which under a US-Philippine agreement must be completed in a year. Indonesia jails cleaners In Olongapo a lawyer for the Laude family, Harry Roque, said over school sex abuse Pemberton’s petition was “not a basis for suspension, especially for JAKARTA: Five cleaners were jailed yester- which has long been favored by expatriates cases like this”. day over the sexual abuse of a young boy at and wealthy Indonesians but is now facing The high-profile case has one of Indonesia’s most prestigious interna- the worst crisis in its 60-year history. inflamed anti-US sentiment in the tional schools, in a scandal that has rocked Several of the cleaners who originally Philippines and strains in relations Jakarta’s expatriate community. In separate confessed have since recanted, claiming between the longtime allies, which hearings, judges told the South Jakarta dis- they were beaten by police. The family of both sought custody of the suspect. trict court that four male cleaners-Agun the abused boy is suing the school and The US government has refused to Iskandar, Virgiawan Amin, Zainal Abidin, and seeking $125 million in damages. hand over custody to Philippine Syahrial, who goes by one name - were Their lawyers said their clients were inno- authorities even after prosecutors “proven legally and convincingly guilty of cent and would appeal. The school’s workers charged Pemberton with murder. committing sexual abuse and violence on union in a statement said medical reports He is currently under US military minors”. from four hospitals “stated that there was no Marilou Laude (center), sister of Jennifer Laude, 26, also known as Jeffrey, speaks during a protest guard at a Philippine military base They were each sentenced to eight years evidence of sexual abuse” and called for the after attending a court hearing in the city of Olongapo, north of Manila yesterday. —AFP in Manila. —AFP in jail and a fine of 100 million rupiah cleaners and their families to appeal to the ($8,000). Afrischa Setyani, the only female High Court. cleaner among the five defendants, was ear- “We believe the truth is there and there Sydney siege gunman’s partner lier yesterday “found guilty of assisting in will always be a way to uncover it,” union violence and sexual abuse of children”, pre- representative Rully Iskandar was quoted as siding judge Mohamad Yunus said. saying. A sixth cleaner was implicated in the has bail revoked after review “We sentenced her to seven years in case but died in custody, with police saying prison and a fine of 100 million rupiah he committed suicide by drinking floor- ($8,000),” he added. Their sentences were cleaning fluid. SYDNEY: The partner of Sydney siege gunman Monis’s ex-wife. Monis was also free despite facing siege last week-in which Monis and two hostages lower than the prosecutors’ recommended Canadian Neil Bantleman, an administra- Man Haron Monis had her bail revoked yesterday charges of abetting the murder and a string of sex- died after a 16-hour standoff-forcing New South 10 years. Their trials began in August, follow- tor at the school, and Indonesian teaching after Australian authorities requested a review amid ual offences. Noleen Hayson Pal suffered a grue- Wales Attorney-General Brad Hazzard to demand ing the first allegation in April that cleaners assistant Ferdinand Tjiong, are also on trial public anger that the pair were on the streets. some death in April 2013 when she was stabbed 18 that the state’s director of public prosecutions had raped the six-year-old nursery school separately, accused of sexually assaulting Amirah Droudis, 35, had been on bail for a year times and set alight in western Sydney. review the case. Chief Magistrate Graeme Henson boy at the Jakarta International School, children. They deny the charge. —AFP since being charged with the brutal killing of Outrage over their bail grew after the deadly told the Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney that Droudis posed an “unacceptable risk” to the community given her previous convictions and the nature of the allegations. “The case against the accused is stronger than it Alleged Australia child was 12 months ago,” Henson told the court, without elaborating, adding that the risk could not be miti- killer coping as best she can gated by adding conditions. SYDNEY: An Australian mother charged ber of the Queensland state parliament, He revoked her bail and she was ordered into custody immediately. NSW Premier Mike Baird wel- with killing eight children will have her Gavin King, said the public housing comed the decision. In a statement, he added that case heard in January, a court said yes- home in the suburb of Manoora where the “government expects community safety to be terday as she struggles to come to the bodies were found would be front and centre of all bail decisions and that is why terms with what happened. demolished and a permanent memori- the attorney-general expressed concern and Raina Mersane Ina Thaiday, 37, also al instead built on the site. requested a review of the case”. known as Mersane Warria, is accused of “It’s the right thing to do going for- Droudis, together with Monis, had previously eight counts of murder after the bodies ward to help with the healing process, been found guilty in 2013 of sending offensive let- ters to the families of dead Australian soldiers seven of the children were found in a house in of course for the family but also the years ago. The magistrate who bailed Monis last the northern city of Cairns on Friday local residents around us, but also the December over the murder and the lawyers who morning. broader community who... have been defended him on a string of charges have been the Seven of them were hers and she very deeply shocked by this tragedy,” subject of death threats. was an aunt to the eighth. The children- King told reporters. Concern about Monis’s freedom given his histo- four girls and four boys-were aged “I’ve been here since Saturday morn- ry of violence also led Prime Minister Tony Abbott between two and 14. The Cairns ing and I haven’t had anyone say that to order an urgent inquiry into the circumstances Magistrates Court refused an applica- they would like the house to stay. surrounding the siege, and into why the gunman was free and not under surveillance. Memorial serv- tion by the women’s lawyer Steven “Everyone across the board... they are ices for the two victims of the siege, 34-year-old Tori MacFarlane for the next hearing on very unanimous in terms of saying they Johnson and 38-year-old Katrina Dawson, will be January 30 to be in a mental health would like to see an appropriate SYDNEY: Photos showing Katrina Dawson (left) and Tori Johnson (right) sit amongst held at separate venues in Sydney on Tuesday. court. memorial in this location.” the floral tributes left outside the Lindt cafe in Sydney’s Martin Place, one week after The body of the Iranian-born gunman was to be This is procedural as MacFarlane said King said he had been talking to a siege at the cafe which saw two hostages Dawson and Johnson along with the gun- released to his family yesterday after investigators she was currently on an involuntary family representatives, local residents completed an autopsy, the NSW Justice treatment order and would be and agencies to get a sense of what man killed yesterday. —AFP Department told AFP. —AFP assessed, “so once she gets assessed, form of permanent memorial they then it may go to a mental health court wanted. “My conversations and direc- at that stage”. tions from those range of people has Thai maid sentenced to MacFarlane said Thaiday, who did been that they just want an appropri- not attend the hearing as she remained ate memorial that... they can pay their in a Cairns hospital under police guard respects, certainly local children and death for drugs in Malaysia with non life-threatening injuries, was the local community can use on a long- still coming to terms with what hap- term basis,” he said. KUALA LUMPUR: A Thai woman was sentenced to death sentence, which is carried out by hanging chemist’s report on the suspected drugs will be pened. Police said Sunday that crime scene death yesterday after a Malaysian high court found in Malaysia. submitted. “I’ve spoken to her, she’s coping as investigators were still working in the her guilty of trafficking drugs, Bernama news The verdict comes just days after an Australian Hundreds of Malaysians and foreigners are on best she can at the moment,” he told house, describing it as a “long process”. agency reported. Duangchit Khonthokhonbari, 33, mother-of-four, Maria Elvira Pinto Exposto, was death row in the Muslim-majority country, many reporters outside the court. “We still have experts there. It will be a who had been working in Malaysia as a maid, was also charged with drug trafficking in Malaysia. A for drug-related offences, though few have been caught with 2.81 kilogrammes (6.2 pounds) of customs check at the airport on December 7 dis- executed in recent years. Two Australians were “I’m not a doctor, I think she proba- long, hard road from here on in,” detec- methamphetamine at Kuala Lumpur International covered 1.5 kilograms of crystal methampheta- hanged in 1986 for heroin trafficking-the first bly knows what’s happened but tive inspector Bruno Asnicar said. Airport in March last year. mine, or “ice,” in a hidden compartment in her Westerners executed in Malaysia-in a case that doesn’t realise it, it hasn’t sunk in, is my Officers have not revealed the cause Anyone with at least 50 grams of metham- bag. strained bilateral relations. Last year Dominic personal opinion only.” of death of the children but said they phetamine is considered a trafficker in Malaysia Her lawyers insist she was innocently duped Bird, a truck driver from Perth, was acquitted on were looking into various scenarios, and subject to the death penalty. Defence lawyers into carrying a bag that appeared to contain only drug trafficking charges after he was allegedly Permanent memorial including suffocation. They also said could not be reached for immediate comment, clothing by a stranger in Shanghai. Exposto is due caught with 167 grams of crystal methampheta- The hearing came as the local mem- knives were found at the house. —AFP but Duangchit is expected to appeal against the to appear in court again on January 23, when a mine. —AFP NEWS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

A couple of Russian Army helicopters fly over the Monument to Scuttled Ships, during a promotional campaign for contract service for the Russian Army in Sevastopol, Crimea, on Dec 20, 2014. — AP N Korean cinema: Kidnappings and evil Americans

SEOUL: North Korea hates the cur- cinema with the more recent ther of current leader Kim Jong Un. cially when compared to a South rently scrapped Hollywood film that “Comrade Kim Goes Flying”. The elder Kim once declared movies Korean film industry that’s the envy revolves around the assassination of The US blames North Korea for to be the most important tool to of Asia. its beloved leader, but the country the recent cyberattack on Sony educate the masses, according to has had a long love affair with cine- Pictures, which produced “The archive material maintained by the Isolation ma - of its own particular styling. In Interview,” and also for threats of ter- South Korean government. The country’s relative isolation the six decades since North Korea ror attacks against US movie the- North Korean moviemakers have means North Korean filmmakers began to cultivate its own film aters. Sony canceled the movie’s since dabbled with science fiction, rarely get the opportunity to work industry, a South Korean director release. North Korea has denied a action and romantic comedy, but with foreign artists. A notable excep- and his movie star wife have been role in the hacking, but also praised they’re mostly expected to stoke tion was “Comrade Kim Goes Flying,” kidnapped, a Godzilla-inspired mon- it as a “righteous deed”. public animosity against rivals a romantic comedy from 2012 about ster movie has bombed at the box Pyongyang began building its Washington and Seoul, and to por- a young female coal miner who office in the South, American defec- cinema industry in the 1950s as a tray the Kim family as a fearless bas- dreams of becoming a trapeze artist. tors have hammed it up in anti-US wing of a propaganda machine tion against evil foreign imperialists. The movie was co-produced with propaganda films - and there has meant to glorify the country’s late North Korea’s progress in filmmak- Western partners. The 1980s were a even been a foray into “girl power” founder, Kim Il Sung, the grandfa- ing technology has been slow, espe- heyday for North Korean movies. The current leader’s father, Kim Jong Il, was an ardent movie buff and Fadhl calls for granting non-Muslims... ensured generous funding for filmmakers. Continued from Page 1 becoming Kuwaitis is a “stigma on the Kuwaiti constitution When Kim soured on the quality In this file image made out of film “Comrade Kim Goes Flying” released and laws”, adding that those who added it to the constitu- of films produced by his country- on Oct 3, 2012 by the Busan International Film Festival, Comrade Kim Fadhl said he chose to appeal against that constitution- tion in 1981 do not deserve to become members of parlia- men, he ordered the abduction of Yong Mi played by Han Jong Sim smiles as she wears a coal miner’s hel- al amendment in the constitutional court, the highest ment who took the oath to respect the constitution and South Korean film director Shin met. — AP court in the country and whose rulings are final, and not laws. He also stressed that the presence of the article in the Sang-ok and his then-wife, actress ment website. North Korea has long shown through the National Assembly because “he did not want Kuwaiti constitution defies the morals of the Kuwaiti peo- Choi Eun-hee, in 1978, Shin said Shin and Choi managed to American characters in its movies as to embarrass my colleagues and enter into a dispute of ple and their principles. after he escaped the North in 1986. escape during a business trip to villains, sometimes played by North personal views”. If the challenge is accepted, it will allow The Kuwaiti population of 1.27 million is predominantly Shin shook the North Korean movie Vienna in 1986, a year after Shin Koreans in makeup, but also by actu- non-Muslims to become Kuwaiti citizens. But if rejected, Muslim, with a Sunni majority and Shiite minority. But scene with his entertainment- completed “Pulgasari,” a science-fic- al Americans who defected to the the status quo will be maintained. there are around 200-250 Kuwaiti Christians who were nat- focused works. They included 1984’s tion film inspired by Japan’s iconic North in the 1960s. Four such Fadhl is not a member of any political party but he is an uralized before the introduction of that article. Most of “Love, Love, My Love,” responsible “Godzilla” series. Pulgasari, which Americans appeared together as evil independent, sometimes pro-government, liberal-secular them hail from Iraq, Palestine and Lebanon. The constitu- for the first on-screen kiss in North features an actor waddling around capitalists and military officials in lawmaker who became a member of parliament in July tional court is not expected to rule on the case before sev- Korean films, and “Runaway,” an in a padded monster suit, flopped “Nameless Heroes,” a 20-part propa- last year. He however was elected twice before but both eral months. It has to be seen first whether the court will action film released the same year when it was released in South Korea ganda film series filmed from 1979 assemblies were scrapped by the constitutional court. The accept the challenge or not, and whether it will agree to that included an exploding train, in 2000 during a period of warmer to 1981, according to the South lawmaker said the article that bans non-Muslims from rule on an issue related to citizenship. according to a South Korean govern- relations between the rivals. Korean government website. — AP TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 ANALYSIS

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Focus Gaza ripe for new explosion

By Adel Zaanoun

arely four months after a bloody conflict battered Gaza, experts warn that a new war could be in the offing if Breconstruction is not accelerated and Palestinian divisions remain. Since the end of the deadly 50-day war between Israel and Hamas, which killed nearly 2,200 Palestinians and 73 in Israel, little has changed on the ground in Gaza. Swathes of the territory lie in ruins and tens of thousands of people remain homeless. With reconstruction still conspicuous by its absence and talks to bolster the August truce repeatedly postponed, frustration is growing in Gaza - and with it the danger of a new outbreak of violence. Young Cuban-Americans emerge as Obama allies This weekend, for the first time since the war ended on Aug 26, Israeli warplanes struck southern Gaza after militants fired a rocket over the border, the third time this has happened in four By David Adams 9,000 members, a Miami office and three staffers. credited another Miami-based group, CubaNow, with urging the months. Although nobody was hurt on either side, the exchange As far as politics is concerned, the organization said it is biparti- White House “to focus on helping improve conditions for Cuban of fire raised concerns that the fragile truce could deteriorate rap- or a handful of Cuban-Americans, President Barack Obama’s san. Indeed, its leaders added, not all its members support nor- citizens,” while continuing to promote human rights and democ- idly. Last week, as Hamas militants paraded through Gaza with new Cuba policy wasn’t much of a shocker. For months, they malization of relations with Cuba. Members include second-gen- racy. CubaNow, launched in April, is backed by a handful of deep- rocket launchers and missiles in a show of force to mark the 27th Fquietly advised the White House in hopes of shaping a new eration Cuban-Americans born in Miami, as well as recent arrivals pocketed benefactors, including Ralph Patino, a Miami lawyer and anniversary of the Islamist group’s founding, they were quick to policy towards the communist-run nation. “A lot of what the presi- from Cuba. “We are not here to push political agendas. We are Democratic party fundraiser who contributed $78,800 to the warn that the situation was unsustainable. dent announced is what we, and others in Miami, have been seeking to be a platform for anyone who cares about a better Obama campaign in 2012. “If there is no reconstruction of what Israel destroyed, we doing for a long time,” said Felice Gorordo, co-founder of Roots of future in Cuba,” said Raul Moas, the group’s director. “We have to do everything possible to ensure these gains sur- warn you that there will be an explosion,” warned the Ezzedine Hope, a non-partisan group of Cuban-American university stu- Still, while respectful of their parent’s bitter memories, they say vive the next election and work with Congress to see how we can Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing. “If our demands are dents and young professionals. it’s time to move on. “The pain is real,” said Gorordo. “We inherit continue updating our policy to Cuba,” said Ric Herrero, 36, ignored, there will be consequences for the enemy, its people Their mission: Closer contact with the island to build mutual this baggage and carry it like a backpack. It gives us the ability to CubaNow’s director. The group describes itself as a political advo- and its leaders.” understanding - a point of view that’s often at odds with their par- empathize with our parents’ struggle, and we also know when to cacy organization led by young Cuban-Americans. It has urged ents and grandparents. But they offer much more than policy take off that backpack in order to see the change we all desire.” Obama to use his executive authority to refocus Cuba policy away Slipping Towards War advice. Obama is counting on this organization, and others like Roots of Hope’s main focus is what they call “people-to-people from punishing the Cuban government to empowering the The glacial pace of reconstruction is the most immediate con- them, to help pave the way for his new policy that includes meas- connectivity” with the island. It sends smart phones to Cuba. It Cuban people. cern for Gaza, where UN figures show more than 96,000 homes ures from promoting private sector entrepreneurship, to modern- encourages Cuban-Americans to visit the country and reconnect The White House outreach began shortly after Obama visited were damaged or destroyed in the war, leaving 100,000 people izing the island’s telecommunications infrastructure and restoring with lost relatives and discover their heritage. Miami in November last year for a fundraiser at which he said US homeless. Over the past eight years, Gaza has been subjected to access to US banking services. They have also worked with Silicon Valley executives at Cuba policy might need an “update”. But Wednesday’s announce- an Israeli blockade which has effectively barred the entry of most “There is a clear understanding in the White House that politi- Google, Twitter, Facebook and Apple to improve digital services in ment was met with scorn from many older Cuban exile leaders construction materials on grounds that militants could use them cally they are going to have to focus on and cultivate the younger Cuba, where the Internet is strictly limited by the Cuban govern- who strongly oppose relaxing pressure on the Cuban government for other purposes. After the war, the UN brokered a mechanism generation of Cuban-Americans who are mobilized and out there ment. It was, for example, instrumental in helping Google win US which they believe is on its last legs. In addition, the new groups which would allow such goods in while ensuring they do not fall supporting the president’s decision,” said Frank Mora, a Cuba permission in August to make its Chrome browser available to are largely dismissed as bit-players by the well-heeled, conserva- into the wrong hands. scholar at Miami’s Florida International University, and a former users in Cuba. tive Cuban-American political establishment. Palestinian officials say Israel has effectively blocked recon- top Pentagon official for Latin America in the Obama administra- “In order to be able to advance you have to be able to engage,” US Representative Mario Diaz-Balart said media reports have struction by limiting supplies entering Gaza, but diplomatic tion. Obama is going to need that support as he faces opposition said Gorordo, 31, a former White House fellow in 2011-12 who is talked for decades about “a change in perception,” but he noted sources say the UN-brokered mechanism has taken longer than from his Republican rivals and the Cuban-American political also chief executive of Clearpath, a tech company for online immi- that no Cuban-American has been elected who supports normal- expected to get up and running. The process has also been establishment that opposes closer ties with Cuba. gration filings. The Obama administration confirmed its involve- ization. “So where are all these people? You might want to inter- slowed by infighting between Hamas and Fatah, its West Bank- ment with Roots of Hope. It has consulted with the organization view them.” Other older Cubans are even less flattering. “It’s sad based rival which dominates the Palestinian Authority and has Establishing Roots on “the kinds of action they thought might contribute to greater that young people can be so ignorant. They must be communists,” been tasked with managing reconstruction. “The circumstances Gorordo co-founded Roots of Hope in 2002 while studying openings in Cuba,” said Bernadette Meehan, spokesperson for the said Laura Vianello, 68, a Cuban exile with the hardline Miami are as they were before the war,” Israeli commentator Avi government affairs at Georgetown University after a visit to Cuba National Security Council, the president’s advisory body on for- group Vigilia Mambisa. That point of view, though, seems to be Issacharoff said. “If the blockade continues, the borders remain where he was inspired by the number of educated youths hungry eign policy. softening. Street protest in Miami were small this week, a sharp closed and building is slow in the next six months, Hamas will for change. The group first gained notice in Miami in 2009 when it CubaNow contrast to the large demonstrations in 2000 when the Justice move towards escalation, and depending on Israel’s response, it got behind a controversial peace concert in Havana by Colombian Roots of Hope, as far as young Cuban-Americans are con- Department ordered a 6-year-old rafter boy, Elian Gonzalez, could turn into a new war.” rocker Juanes who lives in Miami. Now, it says, there are some cerned, aren’t the only game in Miami. In an email Meehan also returned to his father in Cuba. —Reuters Gaza-based analyst Walid Al-Mudallal agreed that Hamas was under increasing pressure. “If it remains frozen in terms of reconstruction, war will be the only option. Hamas will have no choice,” he said. Figures cited by international aid charity Oxfam indicate Party’s over in Kabul as expat era fades 287 truckloads - each carrying around 40 tonnes of essential building materials - entered Gaza in November. But officials say that if Gaza is to be rebuilt within three years, it would need to be By Ben Sheppard receiving at least 7,000 tonnes - or 175 truckloads - every day. “The options are few and very difficult, ranging from bad to he tennis club is deserted, the pool-side worse. As Israel slows the entry of building materials, Egypt closes French restaurant is closed and picnic trips the (Rafah) border and reconciliation fails to be implemented,” Tare cancelled. The US-led war in Mudallal said. Afghanistan brought a flood of international aid workers, diplomats and security contractors to ‘At Boiling Point’ Kabul, creating a frenetic social scene that is now Reconstruction aside, analysts say the conditions which led to a distant memory. A series of Taleban attacks on the deadly summer conflict are largely still in place. “Gaza, almost expat hang-outs shattered any illusions that for- four months after the war, remains a pressure cooker at boiling eign civilians were safe in the city, and those point,” wrote Amos Harel in Israel’s Haaretz newspaper, saying the places still open have bored waiters and empty situation was similar to before the fighting that began on July 8. tables. Before the war, Hamas - already struggling under the Israeli As the United States and its allies officially end blockade - found itself under increasing pressure from Egypt their 13-year war on Dec 31, Afghanistan appears which dealt Gaza a harsh blow by destroying a network of cross- in the grip of worsening violence and the remain- border smuggling tunnels and closing the Rafah crossing, trig- ing foreign workers have retreated further inside gering a major financial crisis. fortified compounds. “I used to employ 28 people In a bid to ease the pressure, Hamas signed a unity agree- a year ago. Now I employ only eight,” an expat ment with Fatah in the hope that the Palestinian Authority would restaurant manager told AFP on condition of facilitate payment of its Gaza employees. But the deal has never anonymity over espresso coffee and almond been properly implemented, and tensions between the two has cake. “I am married to an Afghan and I will stay, only festered. “The likelihood of war is there,” said Naji Sharab, a but we are very worried. We used to be so busy. politics professor at Al-Azhar University. “Hamas’s popularity will All the aid groups and embassies had a list of wane if the building freeze continues and if the financial issues places that their staff could go. Now everywhere aren’t solved, and this will happen the longer reconciliation stag- is off-limits,” she said, gesturing to her deserted nates,” he said. restaurant one lunchtime. With the Palestinian Authority slated to play a key role in In this photograph taken on Dec 7, 2014, Afghan carpet trader Haji Abdul Hakim displays a carpet as he waits for All-night parties with plenty of alcohol and a customers in his shop on Chicken Street in Kabul. —AFP reconstruction and monitoring the crossings with Israel and lot of young, single people were always incon- Egypt, overcoming internal divisions is crucial. “If the political and gruous in the capital of conservative Muslim American teachers and British aid contractors. (2010-2012), there was also a civilian surge. It was Ganjina, a collection of upmarket shops, internal situation continues like this and Hamas does not find a Afghanistan, but now Kabul’s “Kabubble” - as it Today, the site is boarded up and abandoned. hedonistic and we never worried about anything. offers iPad cases sewn by Afghan refugee women way out, then it might decide it has no other option” than war, was known - has truly burst. Five minutes’ drive away, the steel doors of There were no rules compared with back home, and elegant clutch bags made out of the same Sharab said. —AFP the Gandamack Lodge have been locked since so foreigners liked it. There was a sense of free- material used for the all-encompassing burqa. Old Haunts Shut April. It was perhaps the best known restaurant dom. I remember all-day parties. You could enjoy But sales have plunged this year as deadly attacks “The days of big parties ended long ago,” said and hotel in Kabul, serving British favourites such a beer and a swim, and someone would always targeted a luxury hotel, residential compounds, Francesca Recchia, the Italian author of the Little shepherd’s pie and bread pudding with custard. get thrown into the pool with their iPhone in vehicle convoys and foreign guesthouses, jour- All articles appearing on these Book of Kabul, a new collection of essays about After dinner, its basement pub boasted a warm their pocket.” nalists and doctors. “Business is down 40 percent pages are the personal opinion of the city. “Any social life is inside people’s houses log fire, a well-stocked bar and antique rifles since January and the shop is hanging on by the the writers. Kuwait Times takes no or compounds. Of course, many internationals hanging on the walls - until the whole premises Secret Bar skin of its teeth,” said Kerry Jane Wilson, director responsibility for views expressed are restricted where they can visit, but some of us was closed down by the government for being a The tennis club was one centre of the social of Zardozi, which runs an outlet in Ganjina. try to lead normal lives with Afghan friends. “nest for intelligence agencies”. whirl, where ambassadors teamed up with NGO Wahid Abdullah, owner of Herat Carpets on therein. Kuwait Times invites read- “There are simply a lot less expats than the crazy Old expat haunts like French restaurant workers for mixed doubles in the afternoon. Now Chicken Street, the souvenir market since the ers to voice their opinions. Please days of 2008 or 2010, and those who are here you L’Atmosphere - once famed for its pool parties - the umpire chairs have rotted to bits, and the dis- hippy days of the 1970s, recalled how the US war send submissions via email to: opin- don’t see out and about. There is a lot of fear.” have closed, and picnic trips to Qargha lake out- integrating net is repaired with patches of ribbon. brought a sudden glut of customers after 2001. [email protected] or via snail The final tipping point for many came last side Kabul or to the Panjshir valley are now often “No one comes any more,” said the forlorn coach, “We used to be so busy we didn’t have time for January when a Taleban attack on the popular deemed too risky. “Every Thursday and Friday who asked for his name to not be used for fear of lunch,” said Abdullah. “The first years were super, mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. Taverna du Liban restaurant killed 21 people, there would be parties for hundreds of people, attracting attention from the Taleban. Small signs and I hired extra weavers in Kabul and Kunduz The editor reserves the right to edit including 13 foreigners enjoying mezze and a dis- with guest lists that really meant any Westerner of the old era do remain - a chic and heavily-pro- province. “I know many expats are leaving. But any submission as necessary. creet beer. Among the dead were senior United could just walk in,” said Kabul-based American tected cafe selling $14 burgers, and a secret bar we will keep working. Selling carpets is what my Nations staff, European Union police officers, journalist Courtney Body. “With the troop surge offering small cans of Heineken for $12. family does.” —AFP p15_Layout 1 12/22/14 8:29 PM Page 1

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 SPORTS

Malinga returns from injury Kramer extends contract No retirement for Cahill COLOMBO: Sri Lanka pace spearhead Lasith Malinga is recovering well BERLIN: German World Cup winner Christoph Kramer has ended months SYDNEY: Australia’s all time leading goal-scorer Tim Cahill is feeling as fit as from his ankle surgery and should be back in action during the later stages of media speculation about his future by signing a two-year contract ever and thinks he could continue playing for another four seasons into his of the one-day international series in New Zealand next month, according extension that will keep him at Bayer Leverkusen until 2019. 40th year. to coach Marvan Atapattu. The defensive midfielder, who has yet to play for Leverkusen since join- With his weight and body fat ratio unchanged since he was 17, Cahill The mercurial Malinga underwent surgery on his left ankle in September ing them in 2011 and is on loan at Borussia Moenchengladbach this sea- said he would be looking for a two or three year contract when his deal and missed the team’s one-day series against India and England. son, won the World Cup with his country in Brazil in July. with Major League Soccer (MLS) club New York Red Bulls expires next year. The 31-year-old, whose yorkers delivered with a sling-shot action at “With the return of Christoph Kramer (next summer) we have succeed- The 35-year-old forward, in Australia to prepare for next month’s Asian Cup, times makes him almost unplayable, will be crucial for Sri Lanka’s chances in ed in our concept of developing young and talented players at other clubs,” said he could yet return to the English Premier League, where he the 50-over World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. “Malinga said Leverkusen CEO Michael Schade. spent nine years with Everton before making the switch state- is still recovering from surgery and everything is going well Kramer, seen as a natural replacement to Leverkusen captain Simon side. “The future’s bright,” Cahill told the Australian according to plan,” former Sri Lanka batsman Atapattu Rolfes who is retiring at the end of the season, said a few months ago that Associated Press. said. “He will return for the last two ODI games in New the way players were treated by clubs sometimes reminded him of the “I’ve got another year left on my New York Red Bulls con- Zealand.” “slave trade”. tract. The main feeling for me is every time I’m at a club, I Malinga, who has taken 271 wickets in 177 ODIs, That triggered an angry reaction from Leverkusen officials but the 23- like to be there for a long time. “To be totally hon- has been named in Sri Lanka’s provisional 30-man year-old, who has also had a loan spell at VfL Bochum, said he was now est, I could have gone back to the Premier squad for the World Cup. Sri Lanka, who finished runner- ready to play for his parent club. League on loan after the World Cup and I up to India at the 2011 World Cup, will play seven one- “I have known Bayer since my youth and always dreamt of making it decided to stay with Red Bulls for the remain- dayers in New Zealand to warm up for the Feb. 14- among the pros,” added Kramer. “I have now succeeded in that via Bochum der of the season and still (have) options to March 29 tournament.—Reuters and Gladbach and I am very happy.” Leverkusen meet Atletico Madrid in go back to the Premier League if it’s the the last 16 of the Champions League in February.—Reuters right one for me.—Reuters

NHL results/standings Flyers soar over Jets Colorado 2, Detroit 1 (SO); Dallas 6, Edmonton 5 (SO); Boston 4, Buffalo 3 (OT); NY Rangers 1, Carolina 0; Chicago 4, Toronto 0; Philadelphia 4, Winnipeg 3 (OT). WINNIPEG: Rob Zepp made 25 saves in his loss following a six-game winning streak. Western Conference NHL debut and Jakub Voracek scored 10 sec- Pacific Division onds into overtime, sending the Philadelphia AVALANCHE 2, RED WINGS 1 W L OTL GF GA PTS Flyers to a 4-3 victory over the Winnipeg Jets Jarome Iginla scored in the ninth shootout Anaheim 22 8 5 101 96 49 on Sunday night. round to lift the Avalanche to the victory. San Jose 19 11 4 97 87 42 Voracek and linemate Claude Giroux Iginla got a wrist shot past Petr Mrazek, who Vancouver 19 11 2 92 90 40 forced a Dustin Byfuglien turnover behind the had turned away six straight Avalanche Los Angeles 17 11 6 94 84 40 Winnipeg net, and Voracek slid the puck shooters. Nathan MacKinnon and Matt Calgary 17 15 3 100 95 37 through Ondrej Pavelec’s pads for his second Duchene also scored in the tiebreaker as Arizona 11 17 4 74 104 26 goal of the game. Colorado ended a three-game road trip with Edmonton 7 20 7 74 116 21 Vincent Lecavalier had two third-period five points. Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar Central Division goals for the Flyers, who rallied from a 3-1 had shootout goals for Detroit, which fell to Chicago 23 9 2 106 67 48 deficit. Matt Halischuk, Mathieu Perreault and 1-7 this season in the tiebreaker. Detroit had a St. Louis 21 9 3 100 81 45 Byfuglien scored for Winnipeg. Pavelec made 22-12 shots advantage five minutes into the Nashville 21 8 2 87 64 44 19 saves. third period and finally cashed in when Pavel Winnipeg 17 10 7 83 80 41 The 33-year-old Zepp was promoted from Datsyuk wristed a power-play shot past Minnesota 16 12 3 91 84 35 Lehigh Valley of the American Hockey League Avalanche goalie Calvin Pickard for his 13th Dallas 14 13 5 95 109 33 due to an injury to starter Steve Mason. The goal. The Avalanche tied it with 4:15 left in Colorado 12 13 8 85 101 32 Flyers say he is the oldest goaltender to win regulation when Erik Johnson scored on the Eastern Conference his NHL debut since 1926. Zepp, who spent power play for his eighth of the season. Atlantic Division the previous seven seasons in Germany, had a Montreal 21 11 2 92 83 44 sprawling toe save on Mark Scheifele late in RANGERS 1, HURRICANES 0 Tampa Bay 20 11 4 113 93 44 the second period. Ryan McDonagh scored in the first and Detroit 17 8 9 94 84 43 Cam Talbot made 18 saves, leading New York PHILADELPHIA: Nick Schultz No. 55 of the Philadelphia Flyers passes the puck in this Toronto 19 12 3 114 102 41 BLACKHAWKS 4, MAPLE LEAFS 0 to its sixth consecutive win. The Rangers com- file photo. —AFP Boston 17 14 3 86 88 37 Patrick Kane had a power-play goal and pleted a sweep of the home-and-home week- Hamilton scored twice for Boston, including a Florida 14 9 8 69 79 36 two assists, leading Antti Raanta and the end series against the Eastern Conference- tying goal with 1:31 left in the third after the STARS 6, OILERS 5 Ottawa 14 13 6 89 92 34 Blackhawks to the win. The Blackhawks worst Hurricanes, who lost for the eighth time Bruins pulled goalie Tuukka Rask. Chris Kelly Tyler Seguin had two goals and an assist, Buffalo 13 18 3 66 109 29 played with a “CR” decal on their helmets in nine games. Talbot is 3-3-1 this season also scored for Boston, and defenseman and then scored in the shootout to help Metropolitan Division after assistant equipment manager Clint backing up Henrik Lundqvist, with all three of Zdeno Chara had two assists. Dallas to its fourth consecutive win. Shawn Pittsburgh 22 6 4 102 72 48 Reif died earlier in the day. The team said it his victories being shutouts. McDonagh Buffalo couldn’t quite hang on after hold- Horcoff had the winning score in the eighth NY Islanders 23 10 0 104 91 46 was “deeply saddened” by the loss and scored his second goal of the season 4:10 into ing a 3-2 lead for most of the third period on round of the tiebreaker, and also collected his NY Rangers 17 10 4 93 81 38 declined further comment while asking for the game. He slapped the puck past goal- Tim Schaller’s first NHL goal. Schaller was fifth goal in the first period. Erik Cole and Washington 16 10 6 95 85 38 respect for the privacy for Reif’s family and tender Anton Khudobin, who has yet to win recalled from Rochester earlier in the day and Jamie Benn also scored in regulation for the Philadelphia 13 14 6 92 99 32 friends. Raanta made 31 saves for his sec- this season (0-8-2). played his third career game 50 miles south Stars (14-13-5), who have won five of six. Columbus 14 15 3 79 102 31 ond shutout of the season, helping of his hometown of Merrimack, New Taylor Hall and Mark Arcobello each had New Jersey 12 17 6 77 102 30 Chicago rebound from a 3-2 shootout loss BRUINS 4, SABRES 3 Hampshire. Andrej Meszaros and Rasmus two goals for the Oilers (7-20 -7), who blew a Carolina 9 20 4 68 92 22 Saturday night in Columbus. James Reimer Loui Eriksson scored 2:14 into overtime, Ristolainen also scored for the Sabres, who 5-2 lead. Edmonton has lost seven straight Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the stand- made 30 saves in Toronto’s third straight and the Bruins rallied for the victory. Dougie were outshot 37-28. and 18 of 19.—AP ings and are not included in the loss column (L). p16_Layout 1 12/22/14 9:12 PM Page 1

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 SPORTS Grizzlies fall, Kings march

CLEVELAND: LeBron James had 25 points and 11 assists, Dion Waiters scored 13 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and the Cleveland Ferrari braced for Cavaliers handled one of the Western Conference’s best teams, beating the Memphis Grizzlies 105-91 on Sunday. hard year in 2015 James scored 16 points in the second half and the Cavs shot a season-best 61 percent from the field to improve to 3-6 against West MARANELLO: Ferrari chairman Sergio price for decisions made under the pre- teams. Anderson Varejao added 18 points and Marchionne drew a line under a dismal vious management. Kyrie Irving had 17 points and 12 assists for the year for Formula One’s most glamorous “We started late with the 2015 car, Cavs, who are 11-3 since their sluggish 5-7 start. and successful team on Monday but certain choices and strategies that Cleveland, which has won eight of nine at made clear that 2015 would also be a were made by others and that, in retro- home, is 9-2 when James has at least nine season of struggle. spect, I don’t necessarily share,” he assists. Speaking at a news conference added. Marc Gasol had 23 points and 11 rebounds before Christmas lunch at the team’s “So 2015 will be a difficult year that for the Grizzlies, who played without forward Fiorano test track, Marchionne left no will put the team to a real test.” Asked Zach Randolph. He’s nursing a sore and swollen doubt there was a hard road ahead how long it would take Ferrari to recov- right knee he injured Friday night in a loss at before Ferrari could catch up with er, Marchionne said: “I think 2015 is Chicago. Jon Leuer added 16 points for dominant Mercedes. “We must forget going to be a reconstitution year. It will Memphis, which dropped to 21-6. 2014,” said the Fiat Chrysler (FCA) chief be Maurizio’s first full year with the executive who replaced Luca Di team. KINGS 108, LAKERS 101 DeMarcus Cousins had 29 points and 14 Montezemolo as Ferrari chairman in “I think hopefully within the next 12 rebounds in his second start since returning October. “I don’t want to talk about months we will remove all the bag- from a serious illness, and Sacramento beat Los 2014.” gage of uncertainty that is going to Angeles to snap a five-game losing streak. Rudy The Italian outfit failed to win a race plague at least the initial phase of Gay scored 24 points, and Ben McLemore added this year, their first blank season since 2015. 23 points and eight rebounds to help the Kings 1993, and have said farewell to two “Not to underestimate the signifi- pull away late. Sacramento had lost 10 of 12 CLEVELAND: Cavaliers’ LeBron James (left) shoots over Memphis Grizzlies’ Quincy Pondexter in team principals in a general clearout cance or the magnitude of the task, I games - going 2-8 while Cousins recovered from the third quarter of a NBA basketball game. —AP and restructuring. think Ferrari can probably get to the viral meningitis - and fired coach Michael Double world champion Fernando same place (as Mercedes) by the end dropped 15 of 16 overall. New York fell to 2-13 their bench. They shot a season-high 50 percent Malone last week. on the road and 1-6 in the second game of from the field on the second night of a back-to- Alonso has left for McLaren, with Red of 2015. Some of the work has already Tyrone Corbin won for the first time in three Bull’s quadruple champion Sebastian started. We need to be able to emu- back-to-backs. back and forced 16 turnovers to win for just the games as Sacramento’s interim coach. Nick second time this month. Mo Williams had 24 Vettel arriving to try to galvanise the late their success.” Arrivabene, who Young scored 26 points, and Kobe Bryant had restructured team after they finished has years of experience working on HEAT 100, CELTICS 84 points and 10 assists for the Timberwolves. 25 for the Lakers, who have lost six of eight. Luol Deng had 23 points, James Ennis scored fourth overall. Newly-appointed princi- the governing body’s F1 commission Bryant shot just 8 of 30 and had five rebounds pal Maurizio Arrivabene warned, in his as a sponsor representative, said the 10 of his 16 in the fourth quarter and Miami 76ERS 96, MAGIC 88 and three assists. beat Boston end five-game home losing streak. Michael Carter-Williams scored 21 points and first official news conference, that he 2015 car was on schedule and had It was the first time in 154 games that Miami Philadelphia rallied in the second half to beat could not work miracles and passed crash tests. He said two wins PELICANS 101, THUNDER 99 didn’t have any of its former Big Three - Dwyane Orlando for its third victory of the season. The Marchionne agreed the team now next year would be a success, even if Anthony Davis scored 38 points to lead New Wade, Chris Bosh or LeBron James. Wade sat 76ers ended a five-game losing streak. All three needed time. the legions of fans might not see it the Orleans past Oklahoma City. It was the third- with a bruised right knee, Bosh missed his fifth of their victories have come on the road. Victor Marchionne said Ferrari, whose same way, and three a triumph. “If we highest point total of Davis’ career. He made 16 straight game with a left calf strain and James Oladipo had 23 points for the Magic. engine has been outperformed by win four, we go to heaven,” added of 22 shots and had 12 rebounds. now plays for Cleveland. Tyler Zeller scored 22 Jrue Holiday had 11 points and matched a champions Mercedes, were paying a Marchionne. —Reuters points for Boston, which had won three straight. NETS 110, PISTONS 105 career high with 15 assists for the Pelicans. Mason Plumlee scored 10 of his 21 points in Russell Westbrook scored 29 points for the PACERS 100, TIMBERWOLVES 96 the fourth quarter and had 12 rebounds in Thunder, but he missed a 3-pointer that could CJ Miles scored 28 points and David West Brooklyn’s victory over Detroit. Joe Johnson have given Oklahoma City the lead in the clos- bulled his way to the basket for two big points added 16 points, including four free throws in Wayne Smith ing seconds. Reggie Jackson added 19 points. with 34 seconds to play to help Indiana hold off the final 12 seconds. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant missed his Minnesota. Miles hit 10 of 18 shots and Roy had 20 points for Detroit, and Andre second straight game because of a sprained Hibbert had 15 points, eight rebounds and four Drummond finished with 18 points and 20 rejoins All Blacks right ankle. blocks for the Pacers, who got 48 points from rebounds.—AP SUNS 104, WIZARDS 92 WELLINGTON: Former All Blacks coach 17 Tests. He returned as head coach in Eric Bledsoe and Markieff Morris each scored NBA results/standings Wayne Smith is to rejoin the World 2000 and 2001, and rejoined as an 17 points, Goran Dragic added 16 and Phoenix champion side to bolster their bid to assistant to Graham Henry in 2004 beat Washington to end the Wizards’ winning streak at six. Toronto 118, NY Knicks 108; Cleveland 105, Memphis 91; Sacramento 108, LA Lakers 101; Brooklyn 110, become the first team to win back-to- where he remained until the All Blacks Detroit 105; Miami 100, Boston 84; Philadelphia 96, Orlando 88; Phoenix 104, Washington 92; Indiana 100, The Suns finished 3-0 on their trip after los- Minnesota 96; New Orleans 101, Oklahoma City 99. back World Cups. won the World Cup in 2011. ing six in a row. They opened the road swing in The re-appointment of 57-year-old He has since worked with the Charlotte on Wednesday night and beat New Eastern Conference Western Conference Smith as a specialist coach was con- Waikato Chiefs, helping them secure York on Saturday. Atlantic Division Northwest Division firmed Monday with head coach Steve Super rugby titles in 2012 and 2013. He Rasual Butler led the Wizards with 17 points, W L PCT GB Portland 22 6 .786 - Hansen saying they needed his “vast has previously coached the Canterbury and Kevin Seraphin had a season-high 16. Toronto 22 6 .786 - Oklahoma City 13 15 .464 9 Brooklyn 11 15 .423 10 Denver 12 15 .444 9.5 knowledge” of the game. Crusaders to consecutive Super titles in Washington cut it to 95-89 on Paul Pierce’s Boston 10 15 .400 10.5 layup with 2:40 to play, but the Suns scored Utah 8 20 .286 14 “He is one of the most astute rugby 1998 and 1999, alongside Hansen. NY Knicks 5 25 .167 18 Minnesota 5 21 .192 16 nine straight - seven by Bledsoe - to take a 104- Philadelphia 3 23 .115 18 coaches in world rugby and having Between 2001 and 2004, Smith Pacific Division 89 lead with 1:01 to play. Central Division worked with him in the past, we know spent three seasons with English club Golden State 22 3 .880 - Chicago 17 9 .654 - LA Clippers 19 8 .704 4 just how valuable he is to any team he Northampton. In 2012, when England RAPTORS 118, KNICKS 108 Cleveland 16 10 .615 1 Phoenix 15 14 .517 9 is involved in,” Hansen said. made a strong bid to secure Smith’s Lou Williams and Kyle Lowry each scored 22 Milwaukee 14 14 .500 4 “Smithy’s role will be purely around services as an assistant to Stuart Indiana 9 19 .321 9 Sacramento 12 15 .444 11 points, and Toronto Raptors beat New York for LA Lakers 8 19 .296 15 defence, but as we do with all our Lancaster, New Zealand rugby boss its sixth consecutive win. Greivis Vasquez had 21 Detroit 5 23 .179 13 Southeast Division Southwest Division coaches we will tap into his vast knowl- Steve Tew said he was too important points and Terrence Ross added 18 for the Atlanta 19 7 .731 - Memphis 21 6 .778 - edge of other areas of the game.” an asset to lose. Smith was considered Raptors, who never trailed in matching their Washington 19 7 .731 - Houston 19 7 .731 1.5 It will be Smith’s fourth time with “an incredibly important asset to New longest winning streak of the season. Toronto Miami 13 15 .464 7 Dallas 20 8 .714 1.5 the All Blacks, which began in 1980 Zealand rugby, not just the All Blacks”, also won six straight from Nov. 15-26. Orlando 10 20 .333 11 San Antonio 17 11 .607 4.5 when the fly-half played the first of his Tew said then.—AFP Carmelo Anthony scored 28 points for New Charlotte 8 19 .296 11.5 New Orleans 14 13 .519 7 York. The Knicks lost their fifth straight and have

Kuwait thrash Bahrain

By Abdellatif Sharaa

KUWAIT: Kuwait National Handicapped Basketball team dominated Bahrain from the start of their match, the second in the 7th Gulf Handicapped Basketball Tournament, as the match ended 56-25. Kuwait national team players were technically sharp, and maintained a comfortable lead throughout the match to top the group, in this tournament while Bahrain remains at the bottom. Meanwhile Saudi Arabia’s team dealt Oman a big blow when they beat them 79-35. It was obvious that the Omani team lacked the experience and most of its members are participating for the first time. There will be two matches today in the third round of the tournament, as Kuwait face Saudi Arabia, and this match will decide to a large extent the winner of the tournament. Bahrain and UAE will play earlier today. Kuwait’s team member Yousuf Khalaf told Kuna that he is happy for the second win, and appreciated the efforts of the board of directors in their support to the team. Khalaf who scored 19 points in the match said players are treating each match as the final, adding that they are looking forward for the Saudi match today. p17 2_Layout 1 12/22/14 9:58 PM Page 1

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 SPORTS Hughes’ death unites cricket in grief

LONDON: Cricket confronted tragedy in 2014 with the death of Phillip Hughes after the Australia batsman was hit by a bouncer in a domestic first-class match. Several batsmen had previously been killed in similar incidents, albeit at lower levels of the game, and two days after Hughes’ death Israeli umpire Hillel Oscar died after a ball ricocheted off the stumps. But the fact Hughes, 25, had scored three Test hundreds and was wearing a helmet, although the ball hit him on an unprotected area of the skull, contributed to a huge sense of shock throughout the cricket world. Australia captain Michael Clarke, in a moving eulogy at Hughes’ funeral, recalled walking out to the pitch at the Sydney Cricket Ground- where his friend died-for the first time following his former team-mate’s passing. “I swear he was with me... Telling me we just needed to dig in,” Clarke said, before adding: “We must play on.” Following a short delay to Australia’s ongoing Test series at home to India, that is what happened with no great reduction in bouncer use. Indeed New South Wales quick Sean Abbott, who received much sympathy after ABU DHABI: This photograph taken on December 19, 2014, shows Pathan spectators delivering the ball that killed Hughes, bowled in traditional headgear during the fifth and final day-night international match a bouncer in his first over following the fatal between Pakistan and New Zealand. —AFP accident on his way to a remarkable haul of COLOMBO: In this file picture taken on September 19, 2011, Australian batsman Phillip six for 14 against Queensland at the SCG. Hughes raises his bat and helmet in celebration after scoring a century (100 runs) during the Clarke made a hundred in the first Test win fourth day of the third and final Test match against Sri Lanka. —AFP Pathans find solace over India but was sidelined soon afterwards ming from last year’s Indian Premier League. and nine sixes. However, this could not dis- with a career-threatening hamstring injury. However, Srinivasan was exonerated of guise the one-day world champions ongoing in Afridi’s Pakistan That fast bowling is central to much cricket match-fixing by the court in November. poor Test record away from home, with India success was emphasised when Australia’s West Indies, long plagued by poor results, losing series in both New Zealand and DUBAI: For 59-year-old taxi driver Kamal aggression and passion on the field. They Mitchell Johnson won the International suffered a new low when a players’ revolt over England. Khan, cricket is war without the shooting. come in large numbers to watch sixes and Cricket Council player of the year award. pay saw October’s tour of India cut short, a Victory over India was a rare highlight for Like most Pathans, known for their tough, boundaries in a Twenty20 or a one-day Left-arm quick Johnson led Australia’s move that risked financial ruin for Caribbean England, who spent much of 2014 dealing battle-hardened nature, defeat is unaccept- international. attack during a 5-0 Ashes sweep of England in cricket. with the fall-out from batsman Kevin able. And that is the reason that star all- 2013/14 and then starred in a 2-1 series win On the field, captain Brendon McCullum Pietersen’s sacking and the bitter recrimina- They may not know all the rules of the rounder Shahid Afridi, who hails from the over South Africa while collecting 59 Test became the first New Zealand batsman to tions in his autobiography. game, like the Barmy Army fans of England Khyber Agency, is the star attraction even wickets from August 2013 to September 2014. score a Test triple hundred with 302 against Amid the controversy, England captain or India’s Swami Army but Pathans watch after 18 years in the game. The end of the South Africa-Australia series India in Wellington in February. Alastair Cook ended the year having failed to cricket out of passion for the sport and for “We just come to watch Afridi,” said Taif saw the retirement of Proteas captain Graeme Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq defied a score an international century in his last 59 the love of Pakistan. Khan, who drives a taxi in Sharjah. “I got my Smith. Thrust into the leadership aged just 22, reputation for slow scoring and his 40 years of attempts spanning both Tests and one-day- Kamal, like most of his fellow Pathans, money’s worth when I watched the third Smith captained in a world record 109 Tests, age with a 56-ball century against Australia in ers. Sri Lanka, however, enjoyed a successful often skips his taxi-driving duties to watch one-dayer (against New Zealand) last while overseeing notable series wins in both Abu Dhabi in November that equalled West 2014 that included winning both the World cricket in the United Arab Emirates, the Friday because Afridi got a fifty.” Australia and England as well as scoring more Indies great Vivian Richards’ record for the Twenty20 and their first Test series in England neutral venue where Pakistan have been Afridi hit a 25-ball 55 to help Pakistan forced to play since 2009’s terror attacks on reach 364-7 and went on to win the match than 9,000 Test runs, including 27 hundreds. fastest Test hundred. Misbah’s innings helped as they began a long farewell to batting stars the visiting Sri Lanka team back home. by 147 runs. New Zealand, however, took That the non-white Hashim Amla, a practising seal a 2-0 series win, Pakistan’s first over Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene A 30-dirham ticket ($8) gives fans a com- the five-match series 3-2. Muslim, became Smith’s successor as South Australia in 20 years. This victory was all the set to culminate at next year’s World Cup in fortable seat in the stands or a place on the “Our cricket begins and ends with Afridi,” Africa captain was significant in a country still more creditable as Pakistan, who have not Australia and New Zealand. mound and the rest is enjoyment. “Cricket said Wahid Khan, a trader from Miranshah grappling with post-apartheid ‘transforma- played a Zimbabwe upset the odds in Harare in is the only entertainment for us in this in North Waziristan Agency in the Federally tion’. The ongoing problem of cricket corrup- major match on their own soil since an August when they beat Australia in a one-day country,” Kamal, who has been driving a Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan. tion was highlighted when former New armed attack on Sri Lanka’s team bus in international, just their second victory in cab in Abu Dhabi for 13 years, told AFP. “I lost millions in the recent operation in Zealand batsman Lou Vincent was banned for Lahore in 2009, were without star spinner meetings between the countries since the The 9/11 attacks on the United States, Miranshah,” said Wahid, referring to the mil- life in July after being found guilty of match- Saeed Ajmal, one of several bowlers suspend- Africans’ equally stunning success in the inau- and the ensuing war in Afghanistan and itary operations by the Pakistan army fixing in English one-day county matches. ed in 2014 as the ICC cracked down on illegal gural clash at the 1983 World Cup in England. around Pakistan’s north-west Khyber aimed at clearing the area of militants. Meanwhile Narayanaswami Srinivasan actions. But come the year’s end, Zimbabwe had been Pakhtunkhwa province, forced hundreds of Those military sweeps resulted in his headed up the ICC, controversially revamped Rohit Sharma’s 264 against Sri Lanka in whitewashed in both Test and one-day series Pathans to move to the Gulf in search of a shops being razed. Wahid now lives in Abu in favour of the ‘Big Three’ of India, Australia Kolkata last month obliterated compatriot away to fellow minnows Bangladesh, with more lucrative and peaceful way of life. Dhabi and finds solace in cricket.”Cricket is and England, despite India’s Supreme Court Virender Sehwag’s 219 as thd highest individ- home left-arm spinner Taijul Islam becoming A taxi driver like Kamal earns 4,000 a way of forgetting our pains,” he said. “By suspending him as president of the Indian ual one-day international score. the first cricketer to claim a hat-trick on his dirhams to 7,000 dirhams (around $1,100 default we are watching our players here board following corruption allegations stem- Sharma’s 173-ball innings featured 33 fours ODI debut. —AFP to $1,900) a month but the 24/7 job takes and it’s great entertainment.” its toll. “Most of the taxi drivers have kidney Afridi acknowledges the support he stones because they don’t drink much receives. “They love me very much,” admit- water to avoid going to the toilet,” said ted the 34-year-old Afridi. “Most of them Kamal. “Life is tough and there was no drive taxis and whenever I get time I meet India call up Patel to enjoyment but since cricket arrived here them. It’s their love and affection that we are very happy that we can watch our drives me. “It is good that we provide them players.” with some amazement in an otherwise Needless to say, the Pathans demand labored life.” —AFP replace injured Jadeja

NEW DELHI: Rookie all-rounder Akshar Patel ing 364 in the opening Adelaide Test. “It’s exciting to see the youngsters putting Boxing Day test of India will replace the injured Ravindra Jadeja in While India have been in contention in in a fight. It’s just a matter of time. It will turn India’s squad for the remaining two Test both Tests, the Australians have won the key out to be a very consistent side.” matches in Australia, the Indian cricket board moments to turn around the contests. The Dhoni said it was important for his team to MELBOURNE: With all hope of a first series suggesting Burns could slot in anywhere in announced yesterday. Patel, who turns 21 in Brisbane loss was India’s fifth straight away fight it out to the end of their Test matches, triumph in Australia gone after defeats in the top six. January, is a left-arm spinner and useful left- defeat and their 15th in the last 18, with only irrespective of their situation in the contest. the first two tests, India need to draw on Against that instability, there is the their reserves of pride and motivation to sparkling form of stand-in skipper Steve hand batsman like Jadeja. He has taken 14 one win. “It’s important that you fight it out with the avoid a seventh straight test loss on Smith and the mercurial menace of pace- wickets in nine one-day internationals, but India were thumped 3-1 in England this opposition and then whatever the result is, Australian soil this week. man Mitchell Johnson, whose performanc- has yet to play a Test. year and trail Australia 2-0 in the four-match you accept it,” he said. If the tourists can retain the fighting es with bat and ball turned the Gabba test. Jadeja has a shoulder injury and will return Border-Gavaskar series, but Dhoni is unde- “At the same time, you don’t throw in the spirit that has made the Adelaide and Fast bowler Ryan Harris has recovered from home to undergo a rehabilitation pro- terred. “There’s plenty of areas we’re showing towel. It was quite good to see our fast Brisbane tests anything but one-sided con- a thigh strain and should return in place of gramme, the board said in a statement. improvement, but we’re still not crossing the bowlers still running in, giving 100 percent. tests, however, they could record a victory left-arm quick Mitch Starc alongside It remained unclear if Jadeja, who did not line,” Dhoni said. “We have seen the execution power of our of some significance at the Melbourne Johnson and Josh Hazlewood, who took 5- play in the first two Tests, will be available for “We need to give it a bit more time. Once fast bowlers has increased. Cricket Ground (MCG). 68 in his first innings in test cricket. India the World Cup that opens in Australia and they start crossing that line, once they har- “Ishant Sharma is the leader of the pack. He Since they triumphed in Perth in look the more settled of the two sides, New Zealand on February 14. Australia lead ness that aggression in the right channel is someone who can consistently now bowl in January 2008, neither side has won a test though, with the fast bowlers working as the four-Test series 2-0. The third Test starts in you’ll see plenty of good results from this one area. “Varun Aaron is still raw. He does go match in the other’s country with Australia unit and taking wickets, while the top six Melbourne on December 26 and the fourth side.” for runs, but it’s exciting to see somebody suffering 2-0, 2-0 and 4-0 defeats on the batsmen have all got into the runs at some will be played in Sydney from January 6. India Dhoni, lining up for his 90th Test match as from India bowling at a good pace and using sub-continent and India losing all four tests stage of the series. are also due to take part in a triangular one- a player and 60th as captain in the third Test the bouncer to get the opposition out. on their 2011-12 tour. Just how long the unrest caused by day series with Australia and England ahead in Melbourne on Boxing Day, said it is impor- “We were able to get a few wickets in There have been signs too that opener Shikhar Dhawan’s decision not to of the World Cup. tant for India to compete against the Australia’s second innings and that helps the Australia, for all the confidence that back- bat on day four in Brisbane after injuring Meanwhile, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni Australians in what is the toughest tour for youngsters learn that to get another 50, 60, 70 to-back test victories will bring to any side, his arm in the nets continues to unsettle said India have the pace threat and aggres- overseas teams. runs it can really matter. Especially, when it have a fragility to their batting order that Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s dressing room sion to win Tests away from home and it’s just “The exciting thing is we have competed. comes to Australia and a fifth-day wicket.” India’s pace attack can exploit. remains to be seen. a matter of time before results go their way. What’s really important is it can turn at any India have not beaten Australia at the Prolific opener David Warner has a But if Dhoni, who has been criticised for bruised thumb that could hamper him if he appearing less than convinced of the The Indians lost by four wickets to Australia point of time,” he said. “The competition has Melbourne Cricket Ground in 33 years and is passed fit to play, veterans Shane Watson importance of the longest form of the in Saturday’s second Test in Brisbane after been good, though the results have not been have lost their last five Tests there by big mar- and Brad Haddin are in poor form, while game, can lead his team to victory, he going down all guns blazing by 48 runs chas- in our favor. gins. —AFP injured all-rounder Mitch Marsh has been could make a considerable addition to his replaced by the uncapped Joe Burns. legacy as skipper. Quite how Australia will line up when His predecessor Anil Kumble rated the the test starts in front of the traditional 72-run victory at the WACA in 2008, when bumper crowd on Friday is matter of some India were also 2-0 down in the series, the conjecture with coach Darren Lehmann best of his 132-test career. —Reuters South Africa call up new boy Rossouw

JOHANNESBURG: Left-handed batsman Bavuma was on the field throughout both Rilee Rossouw was named on Sunday to West Indian innings in Centurion following replace injured wicketkeeper-batsman De Kock’s injury. The selection of Rossouw Quinton de Kock in South Africa’s squad for means that AB de Villiers, who took over as the remaining two Test matches against wicketkeeper in Centurion, will keep the the West Indies. gloves for the remaining Tests, starting in De Kock was ruled out of the Tests and Port Elizabeth on December 26 and Cape limited overs matches of the West Indian Town on January 2. tour after tearing ankle ligaments during Meanwhile, Windward Islands left-arm the first Test at Centurion, which South seamer Kenroy Peters will replace fast bowler Africa won by an innings and 220 runs on Kemar Roach in the West Indies squad. Saturday. Rossouw, 25, made his one-day Roach suffered an ankle injury while bowling international debut earlier this year and has in the first Test. Peters, 32, was the leading been a prolific scorer for the Knights fran- wicket-taker in the West Indian domestic chise and South Africa A. four-day competition in 2013/14. Peters will He hit 231 for South Africa A against be the second replacement in the touring Australia A in Townsville in August, sharing squad. It was announced on Saturday that LAHORE: This combination photograph shows Pakistani spinner Saeed Ajmal delivering a ball during the One Day match with the visiting a partnership of 343 with Temba Bavuma Narsingh Deonarine will replace injured bats- Kenyan team at the Gaddafi Cricket stadium. Ace Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal on December 19 said he is confident of a comeback at interna- (162), who is also in the Test squad. man Assad Fudadin. —AFP tional level after bowling for the first time with a remodelled action, three months after his suspension.—AFP TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 SPORTS Cowboys defeat Colts, Seahawks win

ARLINGTON: Dallas ended a four-year four of five and need to beat San Diego playoff drought Sunday in a dominating next Sunday and receive plenty of help to 42-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, make it back to the playoffs for a second with Tony Romo throwing four touchdown straight year under coach Andy Reid. passes and breaking Troy Aikman’s franchise record for yards passing. FALCONS 30, SAINTS 14 The Cowboys (11-4) emphatically ended Julio Jones returned from a hip injury to a three-game home losing streak, scoring catch seven passes for 107 yards, and the touchdowns on their first four possessions. Falcons remained in playoff contention. Dallas had an opening for its first NFC Matt Ryan completed 30 of 40 passed for East title and postseason berth since 2009, 322 yards and a touchdown, and Devonta and first under coach Jason Garrett, Freeman ran for a 31-yard score for Atlanta because of Philadelphia’s 27-24 loss at (6-9), which can win the NFC South by Washington on Saturday. The Eagles were beating Carolina next week. The Saints (6- eliminated with the Cowboys’ win. 9), who committed three turnovers in the The Colts (10-5) didn’t have much to fourth quarter, lost their fifth straight at play for with the AFC South title secured, home and were eliminated. and looked like it while barely avoiding Jimmy Graham fumbled inside the their first shutout loss in 21 years. Atlanta 1-yard line early in the fourth quar- The Cowboys had already ended their ter. The Saints had a chance to drive for a three-year rut of 8-8 finishes that included winning score inside the final three min- losses in finales that kept them out of the utes, but Robert McClain’s interception of playoffs. But they had to keep winning to Drew Brees in Saints territory set up a field make sure they got in. goal, and Osi Umenyiora returned Brees’ NFL rushing leader DeMarco Murray fumble for an 86-yard TD as time expired. played with a broken left hand, but the Cowboys didn’t need much from him. He PANTHERS 17, BROWNS 13 finished with 58 yards, with a 1-yard score. Cam Newton threw for one touchdown and ran for another as Carolina (6-81) took 35, CARDINALS 6 over sole possession of first place in the Russell Wilson threw for two touch- NFC South. The victory sets up the winner- downs and ran for another, Seattle set a take-all showdown next Sunday at Atlanta. franchise record with 596 yards of offense The winner will join the 2010 Seattle and the streaking Seahawks closed in on Seahawks as the only teams in NFL history another NFC West title. to reach the postseason in a non-strike- Seattle (11-4) moved into a tie with shortened season with a losing record. Arizona (11-4) for first in the NFC West and Newton threw for 201 yards and ran for the Seahawks hold the tiebreaker by virtue 63 yards just 12 days after the quarterback of two wins over the Cardinals. Both suffered two fractures in his lower back fol- already have clinched playoff berths. lowing an automobile accident. Jonathan ST. LOUIS: Rams wide receiver Kenny Britt (left) catches an 8-yard pass as New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Wilson had the longest run of his career Stewart ran for 122 yards and caught a 9- defends during the second half of an NFL football game. —AP (55 yards) and matched the longest pass of yard touchdown pass from Newton. his career (80) in the Seahawks’ fifth Johnny Manziel made his second NFL PATRIOTS 17, JETS 16 to make it 16-0 in the second quarter. take the lead, but trailed again after giving straight victory. start for Cleveland (7-8) but left with 1:49 Jonas Gray scored the go-ahead touch- up 15 points in an 11-second span in the Marshawn Lynch sat out the first quarter remaining in the first half with a hamstring down on a 1-yard run early in the fourth RAIDERS 26, BILLS 24 fourth quarter. Philbin’s job had been con- with what the team called an “upset stom- injury and did not return. quarter after the Patriots intercepted Geno Derek Carr threw two touchdown pass- sidered in jeopardy because the Dolphins ach,” then came in to score on a 6-yard run Smith, and New England clinched a first- es and Sebastian Janikowski kicked four will miss the playoffs for the sixth year in a in the second quarter and a spectacular, PACKERS 20, BUCCANEERS 3 round playoff bye. field goals to help the Raiders knock the row. But they’re 8-7 and have a shot at a multiple tackle-breaking 79-yarder in Aaron Rodgers threw for 318 yards and Tom Brady threw a 3-yard TD pass to Bills from playoff contention. winning season if not the Seattle’s 21-point fourth quarter. one touchdown to help the Packers clinch Rob Gronkowski for the Patriots (12-3), The Bills (8-7) needed to win their final playoffs.Minnesota fell to 6-9. a wild-card playoff berth. Eddie Lacy who could earn home-field advantage two games and get some help to end the STEELERS 20, CHIEFS 12 scored on a 44-yard run, Jordy Nelson throughout the AFC playoffs if Denver los- NFL’s longest active playoff drought at 14 GIANTS 37, RAMS 27 Ben Roethlisberger passed for 220 yards caught a 1-yard TD pass in the fourth quar- es at Cincinnati on Monday night. seasons. But they failed at the easiest part, Odell Beckham Jr. caught two touch- and a touchdown, Le’Veon Bell added a ter and had nine receptions for 113 yards, With the Jets (3-12) leading 13-10 late in beating the lowly Raiders (3-12), and will down passes and rolled up 148 yards score and the Steelers locked up a postsea- while Randall Cobb finished with 11 catch- the third quarter, Smith’s pass for Jace miss the playoffs for a 15th straight season. receiving against a defense that hadn’t son berth. es for 131 yards. Amaro hung in the air for an easy intercep- Oakland has the second-longest active allowed a TD in three straight games. Pittsburgh (10-5) faces Cincinnati next A 21-13 loss to Buffalo a week ago cost tion by Jamie Collins - and led to Gray’s postseason drought at 12 years but has Beckham set a franchise rookie record week for the AFC North title. Either way, Green Bay (11-4) sole possession of first score minutes later. done a good job of playing spoiler in with his 10th and 11th TD catches, shat- the Steelers will be playing January foot- place in the division. It also hurt its Nick Folk’s 52-yard field goal attempt recent weeks, beating Kansas City, San tered another rookie mark for receptions ball for the first time since Tim Tebow and chances for earning home-field advantage could have given New York a lead with just Francisco and Buffalo the past five weeks. and topped 1,000 yards while shrugging Denver stunned the defending AFC cham- throughout the NFC playoffs. over five minutes left, but it appeared to off a pair of late hits in the second quarter. pions in the wild-card round three years Green Bay closes the regular season at be partially blocked and fell short. Brady DOLPHINS 37, VIKINGS 35 The second led to a brawl and three ejec- ago. home against Detroit, and a victory will and the Patriots then ran out the clock. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, buoyed tions, none of them to starters. Antonio Brown caught seven passes and give the Packers another NFC North crown. a touchdown for Pittsburgh, which has The Bucs (2-13) have lost five straight and LIONS 20, BEARS 14 won seven of nine. Kansas City’s Alex Smith remain in contention for the first overall Joique Bell scored the go-ahead touch- passed for a season-high 311 yards but was pick in the 2015 draft. down on a sweet run in the fourth quarter, sacked six times. The Chiefs (8-7) have lost and Ndamukong Suh had two sacks. Calvin Johnson added six catches for 103 yards for Detroit (11-4), which came away with a narrow victory over a struggling team after locking up its second trip to the postseason in 15 years. The Bears (5-10) benched quarterback Jay Cutler this week in favor of the undistinguished Clausen. The Lions secured a playoff spot with Philadelphia’s loss to Washington on Saturday. They were hoping to lock up their first division championship since 1993. But because the Packers beat Tampa Bay, the NFC North race will come down to next week’s game at Green Bay. Matthew Stafford overcame two inter- ceptions and completed 22 of 39 passes for 243 yards. He hit the 4,000-yard mark for the fourth straight year.

TEXANS 25, RAVENS 13 Running back Arian Foster threw a touchdown pass, Randy Bullock made a franchise-record six field goals and Houston’s defense dominated to keep slim playoff hopes alive. The Ravens (9-6) now need some help next week to get into the postseason after OAKLAND: Buffalo Bills running back Marcus Thigpen (11) is tackled by Oakland Raiders’ Joe Flacco threw a season-high three inter- Chance Casey (top) over linebacker Spencer Hadley during the second quarter of an NFL ceptions and the offense struggled all day. football game. —AP Houston (8-7) remains in the hunt with the victory, but needs several teams to lose by a thrilling comeback win, said Joe The Giants (6-9) had a season-best 514 next week. With three quarterbacks hurt, Philbin will return as coach next season. yards in total offense and have won three the Texans started Case Keenum, who got Ross made his announcement in the locker in a row heading into their finale at home his first win in nine NFL starts. room shortly after the Dolphins won on a against the Eagles. They had lost seven Foster ran for 96 yards. But his highlight safety. Rookie Terrence Fede blocked a straight before the current streak started. came when he took a pitch from Keenum punt for a safety with 41 seconds left, and Kenny Britt made nine catches for 103 and, with a defender in his face, threw a 5- Ryan Tannehill threw four touchdown pass- yards and Tre Mason had 13 carries for 76 yard touchdown pass to C.J. Fiedorowicz es. The Dolphins overcame a 14-0 deficit to yards and a score for the Rams (6-9). —AP

NFL results/standings

Carolina 17, Cleveland 13; Detroit 20, Chicago 14; Houston 25, Baltimore 13; Miami 37, Minnesota 35; Atlanta 30, New Orleans 14; New England 17, NY Jets 16; Pittsburgh 20, Kansas City 12; Green Bay 20, Tampa Bay 3; NY Giants 37, St. Louis 27; Dallas 42, Indianapolis 7; Oakland 26, Buffalo 24; Seattle 35, Arizona 6.

American Football Conference National Football Conference AFC East NFC East W L T OTL PF PA PCT Dallas 11 4 0 1 423 335 .733 New England 12 3 0 0 459 296 .800 Philadelphia 9 6 0 0 440 374 .600 Miami 8 7 0 0 364 336 .533 NY Giants 6 9 0 0 354 366 .400 Buffalo 8 7 0 0 326 280 .533 Washington 4 11 0 0 284 394 .267 NY Jets 3 12 0 1 246 377 .200 NFC North AFC North Detroit 11 4 0 0 301 252 .733 Cincinnati 9 4 1 0 311 289 .679 Green Bay 11 4 0 0 456 328 .733 Pittsburgh 10 5 0 0 409 351 .667 Minnesota 6 9 0 0 312 334 .400 Baltimore 9 6 0 0 389 292 .600 Chicago 5 10 0 1 310 429 .333 Cleveland 7 8 0 0 289 317 .467 NFC South AFC South Indianapolis 10 5 0 0 431 359 .667 Carolina 6 8 1 0 305 371 .433 Houston 8 7 0 1 349 290 .533 Atlanta 6 9 0 0 378 383 .400 Jacksonville 3 12 0 0 232 389 .200 New Orleans 6 9 0 2 378 404 .400 Tennessee 2 13 0 0 244 411 .133 Tampa Bay 2 13 0 2 257 387 .133 AFC West NFC West Denver 11 3 0 1 407 303 .786 Seattle 11 4 0 0 374 248 .733 San Diego 9 6 0 0 341 329 .600 Arizona 11 4 0 0 293 279 .733 OAKLAND: Raiders cornerback Charles Woodson (24) tackles Buffalo Bills wide receiver Kansas City 8 7 0 0 334 274 .533 San Francisco 7 8 0 1 286 323 .467 Sammy Watkins (14) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game. —AP Oakland 3 12 0 0 239 405 .200 St. Louis 6 9 0 0 318 334 .400 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 SPORTS Club World Cup still a hit outside Europe

MARRAKECH: Greeted with overwhelm- Wanderers have yet to win a league ing indifference in Europe, the Club game this season and Moghreb Tetouan, World Cup is still seen as the pinnacle of who qualified as champions of the host club football elsewhere as thousands of nation, are 10th in the Moroccan league San Lorenzo fans demonstrated this and had not won in five games going week. into the tournament. An estimated 9,000 fans made the tor- San Lorenzo, meanwhile ambled tuous and costly trip from Buenos Aires through the 19-match campaign in the to Marrakech to witness what they Argentine Inicial tournament, winning believed was the most important week eight times to finish eighth. in their club’s history. Nevertheless, the chance to pit them- Goalkeeper Sebastian Torrico said selves against teams such as Real Madrid before Saturday’s final against Real remains a huge pull for the likes of San Madrid, won 2-0 by the European cham- Lorenzo and their mainly journeyman pions, that it would be “the most impor- players. tant game of my life” and coach Edgardo Predictably, Real Madrid sailed Bauza expressed similar sentiments. through their two matches without con- “It’s the match all the players want to ceding a goal, beating Cruz Azul 4-0 and play. This is the most important game at San Lorenzo 2-0, reinforcing the concept club level,” he said. “At my age this is like that the tournament is uncompetitive. touching heaven,” added 34-year-old In fact, Real probably encountered team captain Juan Mercier. more resistance in those two games than “I’ve played a lot of second division they would in a typical La Liga game or football and reached the top flight at a Champions League group stage tie. late age, so I never thought I’d ever be in San Lorenzo coach Edgardo Bauza a situation like this, about to take on Real pointed out that it is not just teams from Madrid.” other continents that succumb to Real’s San Lorenzo had become almost array of cherry-picked, world class play- obsessed by the tournament since win- ers as the Spaniards had won their previ- ning the South American Libertadores ous 20 games going into the tourna- RUSSIA: In this Feb. 8, 2014, file photo, United States’ Sage Kotsenburg takes a jump during the men’s snowboard slopestyle final at the Winter Cup five months ago. ment. Olympics in Krasnaya Polyana. —AP Until the 1990s, the South American Bauza said there is also a huge gap champions used to compete on equal between the elite group of European terms with their European counterparts teams, such as Real, Barcelona and and led by 13 titles to 12 when the old Bayern Munich, and the rest of their own 2014 provides plenty of Intercontinental Cup was scrapped in continent. 2004. But Europe leads by seven wins to “The big difference is between us and three under the new format, reflecting the four or five best teams in the world, the huge gulf which has been caused by not all the European teams,” he said. “If eye candy for sports fans the continued exodus of top players you take out the top four or five, we worldwide towards Europe. The could play a match on equal terms NEW YORK: Some of them won the game, some directed it to teammate Malcolm Smith, who is hand while sitting down? Eugenie Bouchard December timing of the tournament also against almost any European opposi- of them saved the game and others made for officially credited with the interception that pulled it off at a clay court tournament in Estoril, does not help. tion.” some very impressive eye candy. Odell Beckham sealed the game. losing her footing and falling flat on her back, The semi-professionals of Auckland Jr., James Rodriguez, Richard Sherman and THREES, PLEASE: It only looked like a replay. but still getting the next shot back after her HUGE PULL City were another team who had no Aaron Harrison were among those who put their In back-to-back games, Kentucky freshman opponent hit it right back to her. She scrambled While the European sides reinforce complaints about the tournament after distinctive stamp on sports in 2014 with shots, Aaron Harrison spotted up from the behind the to her feet and ended up winning the point. their teams in the six months between the New Zealanders surpassed all catches and plays that nearly broke the Internet upper-left part of the 3-point arc and drained a BEST CATCH: The AL MVP overran a scream- winning the Champions League and tak- expectations and finished third after and led off all the highlight shows. shot to win the game. The first one sent ing line drive to center field by Kendrys Morales. ing part in the club cup, the opposite wins over Moghreb Tetouan, ES Setif A quick review of some of the best plays of Harrison, his twin brother Andrew and the rest No problem. He stopped. Jumped as high as he happens with teams from the rest of the and Cruz Azul. “It’s a luxury to come to a the year: of Kentucky’s fabulous freshmen to the Final could, then reached behind his head for a one- world where winning a title means the tournament like this and play against ODELL’S OPUS: This one blew up almost Four. The second one provided the winning handed, no-look grab. best players get sold. high level team,” said coach Ramon within minutes of it happening. Giants receiver points against Wisconsin in the national semifi- “BACK 1620 JAPAN AIR:” American snow- Asian champions Western Sydney Tribulietx. —Reuters Odell Beckham Jr., who regularly practices the nals. In the Sweet 16 game against Louisville, boarder Sage Kotsenburg got points for degree one-handed grab, made the catch of the year Harrison also made a key 3 from the left corner - of difficulty and originality, winning the first against the Cowboys. Quarterback Eli Manning the shot that gave Kentucky the lead for good Olympic gold medal in slopestyle with a trick he threw a high pass down the right sideline and with 39 seconds left in a 74-69 win. “He’s not had never tried before. On a sparkling day in the Beckham freed himself after tangling feet and afraid to miss,” said his coach, John Calipari, in Russian Caucasus, he closed his run by heli- arms with defensive back Brandon Carr. explaining why he called the play for Harrison. coptering off the final jump of the course, grab- Beckham reached his right hand behind his And when the chips were down, Harrison didn’t. bing his board and flexing it behind his back head, grabbed the ball and cradled it into his THE BEAUTIFUL SHOT: The prettiest goal at while spinning for 41/2 revolutions. Stuck the stomach while falling to his back in the front cor- the World Cup? No question, it was scored by landing. Then, in true snowboarder fashion, ner of the end zone, as the yellow flag flew for Colombia’s James Rodriguez. About midway admitted he had never really, well, practiced the the pass-interference call against Carr. Through through the first half of the round-of-16 game trick before. “Never ever tried it in my life,” he it all, Beckham’s left hand never touched the ball. against Uruguay, Rodriguez stood with his back said. TIP AND TALK: Before The Rant, there was to the goal a few steps outside the penalty area. A LATE ENTRY: This, from Dec. 21: Seahawks The Tip. Richard Sherman’s game-saving swat- He received the ball, chested it to himself, then, running back Marshawn Lynch started left, took away from Michael Crabtree in the NFC champi- took three baby steps to turn 90 degrees before a straight, diagonal line to his right, busted onship game wrapped up Seattle’s trip to the kicking the ball out of midair, left-footed, for a through two tacklers on the sideline, then out- Super Bowl and came only moments before his goal that grazed the underside of the crossbar. ran the rest of the Cardinals defense to the end rant in a postgame interview with Erin Andrews And then, as Jeremy Wilson of The Telegraph put zone for a 79-yard touchdown. “One of the that drew more attention that his play on the it, “An initial moment of stunned silence soon greatest plays I’ve ever seen, right there,” said field. With the Seahawks protecting a six-point gave way to audible gasps from both sets of NBC’s Cris Collinsworth. Lynch, no fan of the lead with 32 seconds left and the Niners on their supporters inside the Maracana.” media, was asked a couple of times about the 18, Sherman got his bearings, left his feet, NOW, THAT’S A BACKHAND: Pro tennis play- run. His stock answer: “Thank you for asking.” arched his left hand up and not only swatted ers are so athletic, the between-the-legs shots Yes, sometimes the pictures speak louder than Colin Kaepernick’s pass away from Crabtree, but barely register anymore. But how about a back- words. —AP

FRANCE: Elisabeth Goergl, of Austria, celebrates at the finish area after winning an alpine ski women’s World Cup Super-G in Val díIsere. —AP Hirscher overtakes Klammer

Goergl wins Val ITALY: Austria’s triple overall World Cup cham- ski great Ingemar Stenmark’s record of 86 the floodlit Madonna di Campillo slope. “This pion Marcel Hirscher claimed Sunday’s giant World Cup titles in a 16-season career from is my best ever start to a World Cup season,” slalom in Alta Badia to overtake his legendary 1974 to 1989. Hirscher posted a time of 2min commented Hirscher. d’Isere super-G compatriot Franz Klammer in number of 30.17sec to beat American Ted Ligety, who “But I still have Kjetil in front of me. He World Cup wins. came in 1.45s adrift, with France’s Thomas skies incredibly well in speed races, he never FRANCE: Elisabeth Goergl beat fellow following Saturday’s fourth place, she This fourth success of the season took Fanara (1:48) completing the podium. The in- makes a mistake.” Olympic champion Ligety Austrian Anna Fenninger in the women’s retained control of the overall World Cup Hirscher’s tally to 27, one clear of Klammer, form 25-year-old was adding this to his wins complained of a poor first leg. “I was very World Cup super-G at Val d’Isere on Sunday standings. the former Olympic champion who dominat- in the giant slaloms in Solden and Are, the unhappy with it, the second was more con- as Lindsey Vonn crashed out. For defending World Cup champion ed the downhill discipline in the 1970s. Swedish resort where he also took this vincing, with more spaces between gates Vonn was seeking to follow up Fenninger this was a bolder performance “I may have beaten Klammer’s total but he month’s slalom. and more speed,” the 30-year-old said. He Saturday’s downhill win in the French Alps than her 11th place in the downhill. She only had downhills to compete in, and so, for Norway’s speed specialist Kjetil Jansrud added that his left hand continued to give which put her to within one of Annemarie said: “I’m thrilled to be back in business the time being, that doesn’t interest me, in a remains in control of the overall World Cup him problems - last month he underwent Moser-Proell’s all-time World Cup record of after some tricky races. few years perhaps,” he said. Hirscher still has standings but Hirscher will have the chance to surgery after breaking a bone in his wrist in 62. But as the American snow queen’s “It was far from easy today, there were record-equalling bid failed to take off lots of changes in rhythm to handle, very some way to go to threaten Swedish alpine overtake him in late yesterday’s slalom under a training fall.—AFP Goergl was celebrating a tight five hun- fast sections and others that were slower. dredths of a second win over Olympic “Without one little mistake I could have champion Fenninger. posted the best time.” The 33-year-old slalom and super-G Fenninger started well before her speed world champion in 2011, who had come in dropped off a little on a demanding Oreiller second to Vonn in the downhill 24 hours Killy slope which proved the measure of a earlier, clocked a time of 1min 25.42 sec- number of competitors, including Vonn. onds. Any fears that this latest fall may have This was her seventh World Cup win and had damaging repercussions following the she nailed it with a lightning final section at serious in knee injury she suffered in a high more than 106kph. “My coaches inspected speed crash in 2013 were unfounded. the slope and gave me all the information “I was a little tired,” reported Vonn.”I hurt on the complicated bits of the circuit,” said my elbow when I fell, but my knee is fine.” Goergl. Another favorite, Switzerland’s defending “I felt I was skiing fast but before I World Cup super-G titleholder. Lara Gut, arrived at the bottom of the run I didn’t posted a time of 1min 25.65 with her run think it was going to be enough to win.” marred by a mistake as she approached the Slovenia’s Tina Maze finished in third, and finish. —AFP Benfica scrape through

LISBON: Coach Jorge Jesus said impa- only team yet to win a league game this tient Benfica fans were making his play- season. ers nervous after the leaders struggled to “The fans made the team nervous,” a 1-0 win over bottom club Gil Vicente on Jesus told Benfica TV. “They usually help Sunday. the team when we are playing badly but, Nicolas Gaitan scored the only goal on on the contrary, that did not happen the half hour, firing into an empty net today. after Maxi Pereira’s shot hit the post, to “We need their support to continue in keep Benfica six points clear of Porto at first place and reach our big target which the top of the Primeira Liga after 14 is to win the title for a second season in a matches. Pereira appeared to be offside row.” Gil Vicente finished with 10 men as he ran on to Ola John’s pass before after Diogo Viana was sent off in stop- chipping the ball over goalkeeper page time. Porto beat Vitoria de Setubal Adriano Facchini. 4-0 on Friday, making them the only The supporters clearly expected more team to score more than one goal in the ITALY: Austria’s Marcel Hirscher (center) the winner, is flanked by Ted Ligety (left) of the United States (second placed) andthird placed Thomas from Benfica as they toiled against the top flight this weekend. —Reuters Fanara, of France, after an alpine ski, men’s World Cup giant slalom race. —AP Grizzlies fall, Pathans find Kings march solace in Afridi’s Pakistan

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 201416 17 Cowboys defeat Colts, Seahawks win Page 18 Lazio go third as Inter save Mancini blushes

MILAN: A first-half brace from Felipe Anderson was enough to secure third place for Lazio in Serie A prior to the festive break on Sunday in a hard-fought 2-2 draw away to Inter. Inter only claimed their maiden win under Roberto Mancini, their first in six games, last week but had the worst possible start at the San Siro where Anderson hit the first of his goals after just two minutes. Anderson, who broke his Serie A duck last week, beat Samir Handanovic with a fine angled strike after collecting Stefan Radu’s assist in the box. SPAIN: Athletic Bilbao’s Oscar de Marcos (right) duels for the ball with Atletico The Brazilian almost had his brace moments de Madrid’s Arda Turan during their La Liga soccer match. — AP later when he sprung the offside trap to fire over but made amends minutes before half-time after collecting on the halfway line and carrying the Atletico hammer Bilbao ball all the way before beating Handanovic at the keeper’s near post. MADRID: France international Antoine At the new San Mames both sides Inter emerged doubly determined after the Griezmann scored a hat-trick as Atletico were missing a number of key players break and after Mateo Kovacic and Mauro Icardi Madrid produced a stunning second-half with Aymeric Laporte and Ander tested Federico Marchetti in the Lazio goal it was display to hammer Athletic Bilbao 4-1 Iturraspe banned for the hosts, while the former who reduced arrears in spectacular away on Sunday and move to within four Atletico were without the suspended fashion. points of La Liga leaders Real Madrid. duo of Koke and Mario Mandzukic, as Kovacic was just outside the box when a The Spanish champions looked on well as Miranda through injury. headed clearance fell kindly for the Croatian, course for back-to-back league defeats It was the Basque outfit who settled who struck on the volley to see his shot sting the for the first time since April 2012 when much quicker, and went ahead after 17 palms of a flailing Marchetti before hitting the ITALY: Inter Milan’s Mateo Kovacic (left) is tackled by Lazio’s Miroslav Klose during a Serie Mikel Rico gave Athletic a deserved half- minutes when Markel Susaeta’s free-kick back of the net. A soccer match at the San Siro stadium. — AP time lead. was expertly nodded into the far corner Mancini replaced Colombian Fredy Guarin said Mancini. Gabbiadini has been linked with a move to But Griezmann levelled straight from by the unmarked Rico. with Federico Bonazzoli and two minutes later “Let’s hope we can improve over our coming Napoli and the highly-rated 23-year-old told Sky the kick-off at the start of the second Atletico failed to create anything of the highly-rated Inter youth player had a hand in games.” Lazio coach Stefano Pioli admitted Sport after the game: “I don’t know if this will be period and completed his hat-trick after note in the opening 45 minutes, and Inter’s 80th minute leveller. Kovacic’s goal had changed the prospects for his my last goal in a Sampdoria shirt, I always hon- Raul Garcia had put the visitors ahead could have been even further behind at Bonazzoli’s free kick found the head of Danilo side. our the shirt that I’m wearing.” from the penalty spot. the break had Aritz Aduriz decided to D’Ambrosio in the box and after the ball rolled “Teams like Inter have a certain kind of quali- Sampdoria are 12 points behind Juventus, Victory moves Atletico back to within shoot when he was released clear on into the path of Rodrigo Palacio the Argentinian ty and Kovacic’s goal set them up well for the who will face Napoli in the Italian Super Cup three points of Barcelona, who were 5-0 goal by Susaeta rather than trying to blasted past Marchetti from close range. rest of the game,” said Pioli, who admitted third final in Doha on Monday with a chance for a winners over Cordoba on Saturday, in turn inside before being crowded out. The draw left Inter in 11th place at 18 points place was a firm objective. double Christmas celebration after Roma were adrift of leaders and champions Juventus, four second. However, Real have a game in However, the champions emerged a “It’s early yet but we’re doing very well. Now held to a scoreless draw at home to Milan on behind city rivals Milan and six behind Lazio in hand on their two main title rivals as they different side after an inspired half-time we have a chance to recharge our batteries for Saturday. Alberto Paloschi struck late to secure the third and final Champions League qualifying January which will be crucial for us. But the lads the points as Chievo beat Verona 1-0 in the city won their fourth trophy of the year in the pep talk from Diego Simeone and spot. But Mancini warned he will expect Club World Cup final against Argentine equalised straight from the kick-off as have shown they are up to the job.” derby to give them some breathing space in the improvements when Inter resume after the fes- Earlier, Italy striker Manolo Gabbiadini con- battle for relegation. side San Lorenzo in Morocco on former Real Sociedad winger Griezmann tive break. firmed he could quit Sampdoria in the January Torino had defender Kamil Glik to thank for a Saturday. “This was my best match since came back to haunt his old Basque rivals “We can’t become a team like Barcelona or transfer window after heading a late equaliser to brace of goals in a precious 2-1 home win over I’ve been here. I need to keep on this once more with a precise header from Bayern in the space of a month. We’re having a secure a share of the spoils in a 2-2 home draw Genoa which secured just their fourth win of the path and keep working,” Griezmann said. Juanfran’s cross. — AFP few difficulties but we need to get over them,” with Udinese. campaign. — AFP Oil prices likely to rebound in 2015 H1: Poll

Page 22 US existing home sales hit Business 6-month low, inventories low TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 Page 25 Kalyan Jewellers invests The new AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine KD7 million in Kuwait Page 26 Page 23

MOSCOW: Russia’s Communist Party supporters dressed as white bears, symbol of pro-President party United Russia, saw a model of a one Russian ruble coin during a rally against ruble fall in exchange in front of the headquarters of the government in central Moscow yesterday. — AFP Oil markets face uncertain future OPEC targets competitors after game-changing move ABU DHABI: The determination of powerful Gulf OPEC “Things could need one year, two years or three. We conference that OPEC’s decision last month to stay China-where the economy is slowing after decades of members to stifle competition from new oil producers don’t know what will happen in the future. What is cer- firm on output was a “big game changer” for the glob- spectacular growth-is likely to continue, said Bassam has left the global energy market reeling and sparked tain however is that high-efficiency producers will rule al energy market. Fattouh, director of the independent Oxford Institute unprecedented uncertainty, officials and experts say. the market in the future,” the Saudi minister said. “Cycles in our business are the norm,” Sada said. for Energy Studies. Gathered in Abu Dhabi for a key conference, senior OPEC’s conventional producers, for decades part of an “The decline in oil prices will have a different behavior Competition for Asian markets has meanwhile energy officials from Arab Gulf nations insisted they oil alliance that has dominated the global energy this time... The role of swing producer (like Saudi grown, he said, after the production increase in the will not cut production despite the freefall in oil prices. trade, have been feeling the pressure from the emer- Arabia) could be changing from government control United States allowed it to reduce or stop crude A supply glut, lower demand and the stronger US gence of shale oil. to market dynamics.” imports from the Middle East, west Africa and Latin dollar have all contributed to pushing down oil prices, Technological innovations have unlocked shale OPEC seems determined not to interfere this time, America. “That has created a shift in oil trade flows,” he which have dropped nearly 50 percent since June to resources in North America and raised daily US oil out- even if the move to maintain output is hitting the said. around $60 a barrel. Experts say there is little doubt put by more than 40 percent since 2006, but at a pro- pockets of some of its own members, like Nigeria and Other factors will help to keep prices low, he said, that OPEC is looking to drive new producers with high- duction cost which can be three or four times that of Venezuela, who have not built up the fiscal reserves of including the continued weakness of the global econ- er costs-in particular North American shale ventures- extracting Middle Eastern oil. Gulf Arab nations. Some reports have suggested the omy and potential output increases of around three out of the market. And how long the effort will contin- For years OPEC has helped control oil prices by Gulf Arab nations are also trying to put pressure on million barrels per day if Libya, Iran and Iraq manage ue is anyone’s guess. increasing or cutting production, but experts say it is the economies of energy-dependent Russia or even to restore or boost production. In the long run, he said, “We have to wait and see if tight (shale) oil can con- now signalling that it won’t bear the burden for its fellow OPEC member Iran, but officials have denied the next few years could consolidate shale oil produc- tinue” after the sharp fall in oil prices, Saudi Oil competitors. any political motives. ers-pushing the less competitive out of the market Minister Ali Al-Naimi, whose country pumps a third of Experts told the conference the next 12-18 months and strengthening those that remain. “Some bank- OPEC’s 30 million barrels per day output, told a confer- ‘Big game changer’ will be crucial for the global energy market and that ruptcies are expected but the developments may still ence session. Qatar Energy Minister Mohammed Al-Sada told the there are few signs the price will rise. Weak demand in create a much more resilient sector.” — AFP Russia bails out bank Markets rise on oil, Saudi budget hopes following ruble slide MOSCOW: Russia has bailed out a mid-sized bank for about $500 million to MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS save it from bankruptcy- a clear sign that the slide in the value of the ruble in the wake of sliding oil prices is straining the banking system. The Central Bank DUBAI: Most Gulf equity markets continued rising reported the release would occur later this week, Qatar market, given the undemanding valuations said yesterday it will give Trust Bank 30 billion rubles that will allow it to con- yesterday but their uptrend slowed, suggesting after a special cabinet meeting. Yesterday saw sparked by the current volatility,” Nick Wilson, tinue operating as normal. the benefits of stabilizing oil prices and expecta- profit-taking in some stocks which led the recent chairman of London-listed Qatar Investment Fund, It will also place Trust Bank under its own supervision until it finds an tions for a large Saudi Arabian state budget had rally such as property developer Dar Al Arkan, said in a note. investor. Major Russian banks said they had no interest in acquiring Trust, a now largely been factored into stocks. which fell 0.8 percent and was again the most He estimated the Qatar index’s prospective top 30 Russian bank with about $5 billion in assets. The main Saudi index closed 0.3 percent high- heavily traded Saudi stock. On Sunday, Dar Al price/earnings ratio at 13.7 times with a dividend The problems afflicting Trust Bank follow a tumultuous period for the er, after jumping 16 percent over the previous Arkan had soared 9.3 percent. But petrochemical yield of 4.4 percent, which he said was attractive ruble, which is one of the worst-performing currencies this year, along with three days. Turnover remained active but dropped producer Saudi Kayan, up 9.8 percent on Sunday, given the fact that Qatar needs a relatively low oil the Ukrainian hryvnia. A respected former Russian finance minister warned by about a fifth from Sunday’s level. Brent crude added a further 6.2 percent yesterday. Other price to balance its budget. But Gulf Warehousing that the country is headed for “a full-blown economic crisis.” climbed over 1 percent to above $62 per barrel major gainers included second- or third-tier stocks sank 0.6 percent to 53.00 riyals in active trade after It has fallen by a half this year as oil prices have fallen. Last week, its yesterday. Analysts said Brent had received broad that had been neglected in the rally, such as its board proposed boosting the company’s capi- descent gathered pace, sparking a consumer boom as worried Russians support after testing $60 a barrel earlier this Islamic insurer Solidarity , up 5.6 percent. tal by 25 percent via a rights issue to shareholders flocked to shops to buy cars and durable goods before prices rose further. month, and that a consensus was growing that at 40.00 riyals per share. Oman’s market climbed Still, deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov said yesterday he expects the ruble prices would likely remain above that level for the DUBAI 3.7 percent. It has outperformed most of the Gulf to rally following some signs of stability over the past few trading sessions. rest of the year. This has improved sentiment The Dubai index climbed 2.3 percent after since the executive president of the State General Following moderate gains at the end of last week, the ruble surged 8 percent among Gulf stock market investors, even though jumping 9.9 percent on Sunday and 13.0 percent Reserve Fund, the country’s largest sovereign in early evening trading yesterday, at 54 against the US dollar. He also said the government is not planning to introduce currency con- the long-term outlook for oil prices remains murky on Thursday. Bourse operator Dubai Financial wealth fund, told Reuters at the end of last week trols on Russian companies. The ruble’s collapse has stirred rumors that Russia and fresh falls cannot be ruled out next year. Market soared 10.1 percent, a fresh sign that that the SGRF had boosted its buying of shares in could introduce capital and currency controls to keep the rate high. Also, contrary to the stock markets’ earlier fears, investors believe the bruising downtrend in Gulf the local market because prices had slid to attrac- The Russian currency has been battered by low oil prices, now around $60 Saudi Arabia’s 2015 budget is not expected to cut equities of recent weeks has ended and that tive levels. a barrel, down from a June high of $107, as well as the sanctions that the West spending much if at all in response to the recent investor activity will revive. Qatar rose 3.3 percent; The Tunisian market rose 0.6 percent, bringing imposed on Russia for its involvement in Ukraine and the annexation of slide of oil prices. Saudi Finance Minister Ibrahim property developer Ezdan Holding was the most its gains in the last four trading days to 3.7 per- Crimea. The fall in oil prices is one of the major reasons why Russia is expect- Alassaf went out of his way to reassure the mar- heavily traded stock, rising 3.4 percent. cent, though it closed well off its intra-day high. ed to fall into recession next year. kets last Wednesday when he said his government Gulf International Services, an oil and gas Veteran politician Beji Caid Essebsi declared victo- Alexei Kudrin, a well-respected former Russian finance minister, said oil would continue spending strongly on develop- drilling services firm which was hit hard during ry in Sunday’s presidential run-off vote, seen as prices weren’t the main reason why the ruble has suffered this year. In comment projects and social benefits in the budget. recent weeks because of the slump in oil prices, the last step in Tunisia’s shift to full democracy ments to reporters, he said low oil prices account for as little as a quarter of The budget was originally expected to be surged its 10 percent daily limit. “The recent sell- four years after an uprising ousted autocrat Zine the ruble decline whereas the sanctions imposed on the country could be announced yesterday afternoon, but Saudi media off in the Gulf has opened up opportunities in the El-Abidine Ben Ali. — Reuters contributing up to 40 percent of the collapse. — AP TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 BUSINESS Oil prices likely to rebound News in brief

in second half of 2015: Poll OPEC crude price down to $55.52pb VIENNA: OPEC daily basket price stood at $55.52 a barrel Friday, compared with $56.30 the previous day, the Analysts slash Brent 2015 price forecasts by $8.50 cartel said here yesterday. The monthly rate of the OPEC hit $75.57pb in November against $85.06pb in October, it said. The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) Crude oil prices are likely to bottom out in to average $74.00 a barrel next year and unconventional oil producers. Although we Raiffeisen Bank said. is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), the first half of 2015, until a possible slow- $80.30 in 2016. think it will take six to 12 months for these Raiffeisen is among the most bullish Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic down in US shale production counters a The forecast for 2015 is $8.50 below the supply cuts to become apparent,” she forecasters, projecting Brent to average $80 Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export supply glut exacerbated by OPEC’s decision average projection in the previous Reuters added. a barrel in 2015, and is one of 11 institutions (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar not to cut output, a Reuters monthly survey poll. The November poll number was down Some analysts, however, were sceptical that had participated in the previous poll Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) showed. The Organization of the Petroleum $11.20 from October, marking the biggest whether OPEC’s stand would serve as a and retained their outlook since then. and Merey (Venez). During their recent meeting, OPEC Exporting Countries’ agreement last month downgrade in average forecasts since the deterrent to US shale oil producers. “The lag Of the 14 banks polled that have cut oil ministers decided to maintain the cartel’s production to stand pat on output meant the onus for 2008 economic downturn. Brent this month in oil production response from existing their forecasts since the previous month’s level at 30 million barrels per day. any supply cutbacks was now on non-OPEC hit five-year lows below $60 a barrel, down wells from the US suggests that only the survey, Morgan Stanley slashed its projec- producers, primarily led by US shale oil, ana- almost half from peaks reached in June. marginal oil projects will be discouraged at tion by $28 to an average 2015 Brent price US dollar stable against lysts said. “Oil prices will be lower, making Brent has averaged $100.57 so far this year. this stage,” Vyanne Lai of National Australia of $70. ANZ, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Kuwaiti dinar at KD 0.292 shale oil production less attractive for Brent was up 74 cents at $62.12 yester- Bank said. The poll forecast US light crude JBC, LBBW and Deutsche Bank also lowered KUWAIT: The US dollar exchange was stable against the investments, which are necessary to keep day. US crude was up 66 cents at $57.79 a would average $68.70 a barrel next year, their North Sea crude forecast for next year Kuwaiti dinar in yesterday’s trading at KD 0.292 while the shale oil production growing,” barrel. and $74.90 in 2016. US crude has averaged by more than $15 per barrel. ABN AMRO euro rose to KD 0.358, compared with Sunday’s rates, said Commerzbank’s Carsten Fritsch said. “In terms of the floor price, we think $60 $93.99 so far in 2014. “Some of the highly had the highest Brent forecast at $85 for the daily bulletin of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK). The Oil is seen recovering in the second half per barrel will be the level at which fast-ris- leveraged US shale oil producers will face 2015, while Nomisma Energia had the low- pound sterling exchange rate stabilized at KD 0.457, like- as non-OPEC production responds to lower ing US shale oil producers will feel the serious trouble. In the long term, OPEC est at $59 a barrel. Brent’s premium to US wise the Swiss franc, KD 0.297. The Japanese yen also prices, while demand picks up in the course pinch,” ANZ analyst Natalie Rampono said. strategy should pay off for OPEC as this crude will narrow to $5.30 a barrel in 2015 remained unchanged at KD 0.002. of the year, the poll showed. The survey of “Supply cuts above this level will be limited strategy should lead to higher oil prices from $6.68 so far this year and $10.58 in 30 economists and analysts projected Brent to other smaller, high-cost US and Canadian from 2016/17 on,” Hannes Loacker of 2013, the poll said. —Reuters Vietnam will license $22bn refinery in early 2015 Iraq to start work HANOI: Vietnam will grant a license for a $22 billion on final oil deal refinery and petrochemical complex by Thai top energy company PTT Pcl and Saudi Aramco, the world’s biggest with Kurdish region oil producer no later than February 2015, a Vietnamese government official said yesterday. PTT and Aramco will ABU DHABI: Iraq’s Kurdish region will continue to export its own each fund 50 percent of the project, should the firms crude oil under an initial deal with Baghdad until a comprehensive fail to find any Vietnamese counterpart, said Man Ngoc deal is reached, with work on a final agreement expected to start Ly, head of the Nhon Hoi economic zone in the central within weeks, Iraqi oil minister Adel Abdel Mehdi said yesterday. province of Vietnam, where the project will be devel- Early this month, the Iraqi central government reached a tem- oped. Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has porary agreement with Kurdish regional authorities ending a bitter approved the project, which is designed to refine 20 dispute over oil exports by and budget payments to the semi- million tons of crude oil annually, or 400,000 barrels per autonomous Kurdish region. Under the deal, Kurdish fields would day, the government said in a report on its website late export 250,000 barrels per day through Iraq’s state oil marketing organization (SOMO), while an additional 300,000 bpd from the last week. Iraqi area of Kirkuk would be exported via a pipeline running through Kurdish territory. In an interview yesterday, Abdel Mehdi said the initial deal was Moroccan consumer price put together mainly so Baghdad could form a budget for 2015, and inflation rises to 1.2% that a final settlement “should be worked out in the coming weeks”. RABAT: Morocco’s consumer price inflation rose to an In the meantime, the Kurdish region can continue exporting above annual 1.2 percent in November from 0.6 pct in October in the 250,000 bpd limit on its own, but legal action taken by part because of rising food prices, the High Planning Baghdad against Kurdish authorities in Arbil over oil exports will Authority said yesterday. Non-food inflation was up 2.1 remain in place, he said. “We agreed for the time being things percent in the 12 months through November. The food would stay as they are. It means, they were producing, they were price index pushed up slightly to 0.1 percent from the pre- exporting and we are putting some claims on that. This is not legal, vious month. Health expenses fell 1.1 percent while hous- so things will continue as they are now.” There is now “confidence ing, water and electricity costs rose 4.4 percent as the and goodwill” between the two sides, Abdel Mehdi said. “We think North African government started to cut subsidies. On a we can sit together and settle all those pending issues like the pay- month-on-month basis, the consumer price index was ments and claims from either side.” HERAT: Afghan workers make wood burning stoves, used for heating and cooking, at a workshop in steady in November after rising 0.6 percent in October. The food price index rose 0.2 percent on the month and non- Production Herat yesterday. Afghans are busy preparing for winter, as high unemployment and the high cost of The minister said Iraq now produced around 3.2 million bpd in living have increased the vulnerability to the weather for large sections of the population. —AFP food prices were down 0.1 percent. the south of the country and expected this to rise about 100,000 or 200,000 bpd next year. That would bring total crude oil production by Iraq, after its export agreement with the Kurdish region, to 4 mil- Budget pressure unlikely to deflect Iran from nuke goals lion bpd in 2015. But Abdel Mehdi said he didn’t think that would trigger any pressure from OPEC next year to cap Iraq’s production, DUBAI: A big oil price slide will hurt Iran’s attempts to rescue Ali Vaez, of the International Crisis Group think-tank, said Mehrdad Emadi of Betamatrix International Consultancy sug- which has been exempted from quotas because of wars and sanc- battered living standards, but economic pain is unlikely to soft- the oil price fall would hurt, but was unlikely to make Iran gested Rouhani had to consider the IRGC in setting economic tions. “Last year, almost a million barrels (per day) have been cut en its stance in nuclear talks or end aid to allies such as Syria, accept a nuclear deal “that it views as lopsided”. “Iran’s support policy because it could spoil any nuclear deal. from the market because of Kirkuk and the KRG (Kurdish regional matters seen by its ruling clerics as strategic priorities. for its allies in Iraq and Syria is not a questions of means, it’s a Greater defence spending was aimed at “giving them a big government), so we have already done a lot of cutting in favor of Economic misery due to sanctions and mismanagement strategic necessity. This is why neither the fall of the rial in 2012 piece of the public pie so they can stop kicking up a fuss when OPEC and I think OPEC understands that.” Abdel Mehdi also said he has been a reality for years, and while social strains in the 76 or economic malaise in 2013 affected Iran’s support for its it comes to negotiations, especially those with the Americans.” expected oil prices to stabilize over $70 a barrel by the middle of million population are deep, the clerics will seek to contain Syrian and Iraqi allies.” Iran and world powers are negotiating “The IRGC are extremely sensitive to any reduction of ‘military next year. Brent crude is now trading around $62, down from about them, say experts examining Iran’s budget plans for 2015. The to end a standoff over Tehran’s nuclear goals. Tehran denies aid’ to what they see as strategic allies.” The IRGC could ruin any $115 in June. —Reuters largest drop in oil prices since the 2008 financial crisis means Western charges it is seeking nuclear weapons. President rapprochement with the West it felt might hurt its interests. more budget pressure for the OPEC member, already bereft of Hassan Rouhani presented a “cautious, tight” budget on Dec 7 Last year, Iran granted Syria a $3.6 billion credit facility to buy tens of billions of dollars in oil revenue due to Western sanc- in response to falling oil prices, now almost $10 a barrel below oil products, with another $1 billion for non-oil products. Egyptian pound steady tions and years of economic mismanagement. the $70 his budget was based on. Spending was six percent Domestically the government has ways of mitigating the pain. And tougher economic times may spur Tehran’s determina- above this year, a real terms cut due to inflation of 20 percent. One is gradual depreciation of the official exchange rate at on official market tion to end a nuclear dispute and lift sanctions that isolate it But with revenues pressured, plans to hike defence spend- which it converts oil revenues from dollars into rials. This allows from the global banking system and deter most foreign ing 33 percent prompted speculation that Rouhani wants to a progressively smaller amount of dollars to supply the same CAIRO: The Egyptian pound held steady at a central bank investors. But significant changes in Iran’s regional strategy placate security hardliners, hoping they will indulge his bid to rial revenues. dollar sale yesterday and weakened slightly on the black including its approach to any nuclear deal are unlikely. That is win a nuclear deal and end sanctions. The central bank’s official exchange has dropped to market. The bank offered $40 million and said it had sold partly because funds for security affairs come from Supreme 27,043 from 25,651 at the end of June and 24,774 at the end $38.2 million at a cut-off price of 7.1401 pounds to the dol- Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, not the government. He also Powerful hawks of last year. Next year’s budget is based on a rate of 28,500, lar, unchanged from its last sale on Sunday. The rates at decides nuclear policy. Powerful anti-Western hawks in the Islamic Revolutionary showing the government plans to continue this strategy. which banks are allowed to trade dollars are determined “Our support to our brother Assad will never change,” said a Guards Corps (IRGC), who report to Khamenei, have been wary Meanwhile, the free-market price of the rial has stabilized at by the results of central bank sales, giving the bank effec- senior Iranian official, referring to Syrian President Bashar al- of the negotiations. They have tolerated the talks, diplomats about 35,000, far from lows near 40,000 two years ago. That tive control over official exchange rates. In the unofficial Assad. “Because of (declining) oil prices we face economic speculate, largely because his big 2013 election win revealed suggests most Iranians think that while cheaper oil will pres- market, the pound was trading at 7.81 to the dollar, a trad- hardship ... but we will manage to continue our support to the depth of anger over economic mismanagement and sup- sure the rial, they do not yet expect an economic collapse or er said, down slightly from Sunday’s rate of 7.80 pounds. Syria, militarily and financially.” port for his aim of ending Iran’s international isolation. a run on the currency.—Reuters EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.710 Sierra Leone 0.000065 0.000071 Nepalese Rupees 3.945 Singapore Dollar 0.219794 0.225794 South African Rand 0.019360 0.027860 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 87.645 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001877 0.002457 Japanese Yen 2.455 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 48.035 Indian Rupees 4.645 Australian Dollar 231.71 228.71 Taiwan 0.009211 0.009391 Canadian Dollar 256.71 257.71 Thai Bhat 9.885 Thai Baht 0.008575 0.009125 Pakistani Rupees 2.917 Turkish Lira 131.225 Srilankan Rupees 2.220 Swiss Franc 302.93 300.93 Nepali Rupees 2.878 Euro 362.08 363.08 Arab Singapore Dollar 223.630 US Dollar 293.55 296.55 Bahrain Exchange Company Bahraini Dinar 0.770861 0.778861 Hongkong Dollar 37.783 Sterling Pound 461.65 464.65 Egyptian Pound 0.038725 0.041825 Bangladesh Taka 3.746 Japanese Yen 2.49 2.51 Iranian Riyal 0.000081 0.000082 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Philippine Peso 6.549 Bangladesh Taka 3.761 4.031 Iraqi Dinar 0.000199 0.000259 Thai Baht 8.939 Indian Rupee 4.636 4.936 Europe Jordanian Dinar 0.409260 0.416750 Irani Riyal transfer 61.555 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.220 2.655 Belgian Franc 0.007632 0.008632 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Irani Riyal cash 121.740 Nepali Rupee 2.893 3.428 British Pound 0.452259 0.461259 Lebanese Pound 0.000145 0.000245 Pakistani Rupee 2.918 2.790 Czech Korune 0.005047 0.017047 Moroccan Dirhams 0.024004 0.048004 UAE Dirhams 79.77 80.23 GCC COUNTRIES Danish Krone 0.044361 0.049361 Nigerian Naira 0.001189 0.001824 Bahraini Dinar 779.11 781.18 Saudi Riyal 78.151 Euro 0.354006 0.362006 Omani Riyal 0.755147 0.760827 Egyptian Pound 40.93 41.53 Norwegian Krone 0.035743 0.041143 Qatari Riyal 80.514 Qatar Riyal 0.079783 0.080996 Jordanian Dinar 417.10 422.75 Romanian Leu 0.084057 0.084057 Omani Riyal 761.500 Saudi Riyal 0.077510 0.078210 Omani Riyal 761.26 768.56 Slovakia 0.008572 0.018572 Bahraini Dinar 778.400 Syrian Pound 0.001737 0.001957 Qatari Riyal 80.83 81.38 Swedish Krona 0.034131 0.039131 UAE Dirham 79.812 Tunisian Dinar 0.153886 0.161886 Saudi Riyal 78.19 78.59 Swiss Franc 0.291709 0.301909 Turkish Lira 0.124609 0.131609 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.124609 0.131609 UAE Dirhams 0.078805 0.079954 Egyptian Pound - Cash 42.450 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Yemeni Riyal 0.001323 0.001403 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.887 Australasia Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.367 Australian Dollar 0.230411 0.241911 Tunisian Dinar 157.920 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate New Zealand Dollar 0.219694 0.229194 Al Mulla Exchange Jordanian Dinar 413.600 US Dollar 291.750 America Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.966 Canadian Dollar 260.085 Canadian Dollar 0.247352 0.255852 Syrian Lira 2.089 Sterling Pound 456.630 US Dollars 0.288950 0.293650 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 33.102 Euro 366.500 US Dollars Mint 0.289450 0.293650 US Dollar 291.800 Swiss Frank 303.035 Euro 366.550 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Bahrain Dinar 775.760 Asia Pound Sterlng 461.000 US Dollar Transfer 292.950 UAE Dirhams 79.330 Bangladesh Taka 0.003432 0.004032 Canadian Dollar 252.550 Euro 360.330 Qatari Riyals 80.935 Chinese Yuan 0.046192 0.049692 Indian Rupee 4.597 Sterling Pound 459.930 Saudi Riyals 77.975 Hong Kong Dollar 0.035698 0.038448 Egyptian Pound 40.785 Canadian dollar 255.180 Jordanian Dinar 411.660 Indian Rupee 0.004436 0.004837 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.212 Turkish lira 126.270 Egyptian Pound 40.707 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Swiss Franc 301.700 Bangladesh Taka 3.738 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.225 Japanese Yen 0.002381 0.002561 Philippines Peso 6.522 Australian Dollar 242.270 Kenyan Shilling 0.003275 0.003275 Indian Rupees 4.716 Pakistan Rupee 2.905 US Dollar Buying 291.750 Korean Won 0.000255 0.000270 Pakistani Rupees 2.867 Bahraini Dinar 776.900 Bangladesh Taka 3.759 Malaysian Ringgit 0.080985 0.086985 GOLD UAE Dirham 79.500 Philippines Pesso 6.481 Nepalese Rupee 0.002995 0.003165 20 gram 238.100 Pakistan Rupee 0.002745 0.003025 Saudi Riyal 78.000 10 gram 121.740 Cyprus pound 715.865 Philippine Peso 0.006509 0.006789 *Rates are subject to change 5 gram 61.560 Japanese Yen 3.480 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 BUSINESS Kalyan Jewellers invests KD7 million in Kuwait

Three signature showrooms to open on Friday l Mega Prize of KD75,000 for single winner

Amitabh Bachchan, the Brand Ambassador of Kalyan Jewellers

KUWAIT: Kalyan Jewellers, one of India’s most-trusted jewellery brands, has announced its foray into Kuwait with an investment of more than KD7 million. Kalyan Jewellers has offered a special consumer scheme to mark the launch. Consumers will be given a free gold coin on purchase of jewellery worth KD150 and will be eligible to participate in a lucky draw and win the mega prize of KD75,000. Amitabh Bachchan, the stalwart of Indian cinema and the Telugu film actor Nagarjuna Akkineni Tamil film actor Prabhu Ganesan Malayalam film actress Manju Warrier Brand Ambassador of Kalyan Jewellers, who is on his first visit to Kuwait, will inaugurate the outlets on Friday (December 26, Kalyan Jewellers said, “The expansion in Kuwait is part of Jewellers will have 77 outlets spread across West Asia and with its brand promise of ‘Trust is Everything’. Kalyan 2014) along with the other ambassadors Manju Warrier our growth strategy to consolidate our presence in GCC India including nine in the UAE. It will also add Qatar to its Jewellers has developed a distinct image among consumers (Malayalam film actor), Nagarjuna Akkineni (Telegu film actor) countries. The launch of three Kalyan stores in one day in presence shortly. By the end of fiscal 2015, Kalyan Jewellers is by smartly leveraging its brand ambassadors. Kalyan was the and Prabhu Ganesan (Tamil film actor). The Chairman of the Kuwait is a reiteration of our commitment to provide the targeting 100 showrooms. first jewellery brand in the country to have a male as a brand Group T S Kalyanaraman, the Executive Directors Rajesh best jewellery buying experience for connoisseurs of jew- Kalyan Jewellers recently attracted a significant invest- ambassador, successfully defying the convention in jewellery Kalyanaraman and Ramesh Kalyanaraman will also be present ellery in Kuwait. The investment of KD7 million has been ment of $200 million from leading private equity investor marketing. for the inauguration. During the inauguration of the show- made to ensure that we can reach out to more customers Warburg Pincus. The investment is set to accelerate the Kalyan Jewellers has also invested in educational cam- rooms, the celebrities will jointly address the public from a spe- through these three outlets. Our stores will offer an exqui- growth plans of Kalyan Jewellers as it consolidates its leading paigns for consumers to share their insights on buying jew- cially erected stage. The timings for inauguration are as follows: site collection of contemporary and traditional designs position in the existing markets and enters global markets ellery. Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are that will fulfill distinct needs of the evolved Kuwait con- including Singapore and Malaysia. Since the investment from the brand ambassadors of Kalyan Jewellers. The brand also December 26 : sumer.” Warburg Pincus, Kalyan Jewellers has added over 15 show- has regional icons like Prabhu Ganesan, Nagarjuna, Shivaraj Al-Rai 11.15 am - 11.45am, Malia, Kuwait City) 2.45 pm - rooms to its network. Kumar and Manju Warrier associated with the brand. Kalyan 3.05 pm and Fahaheel 3.45 pm - 4.15 pm. Target Kalyan Jewellers is one of the most trusted brands in India Jewellers has been ranked among Top 10 Trend Setting T S Kalyanaraman, Chairman and Managing Director, With the three showrooms opening in Kuwait, Kalyan and has developed a deep connect among its stakeholders Brands in India (Pitch, 2013). Oil price fall puts squeeze on North Sea energy minnows

LONDON: Plunging oil prices have ment peaked at 12 billion pounds ($18.8 increased the strain on the many small billion) when booming North Sea oil out- energy firms operating in the North Sea put coincided with high oil prices, four who were already facing diminishing times the 3 billion pounds predicted for returns from an area that once helped pow- 2014. Promised oil revenues were in part er the British economy. With fields more used to justify Scotland’s independence mature and oil harder to find, heavy- movement which banked on oil to under- weights such as BP and Shell turned their write a historic break for the rest of Britain, attention elsewhere long ago, leaving thwarted in a referendum in September. smaller independent firms to explore the Instead, Brent crude prices fell as low as more remote areas. $58.5 a barrel last week and the major oil As many as 133 companies are now active firms are shifting their focus to more prom- in the British part of the North Sea. However, ising new areas in south-east Asia, Africa a third of those companies are deemed by and shale oil plays in North America. While experts to be too small to finance big ticket Britain’s growing pool of small-scale firms, projects and a fall of around 45 percent in oil such as Parkmead, Hurricane Energy and prices since June has lessened the sector’s Infrastrata , can be more nimble when it appeal to big investors. comes to adopting new technologies, Efforts to find new oil and gas fields many of the areas remaining to be have slumped to the lowest level since explored are remote and therefore costly. exploration started in the 1970s because of “If they don’t have the money they can’t reduced investment. That has sharply cut fund activity,” said Brian Nottage, general the amount of revenue the government manager at oil and gas advisory Hannon can expect to take from the sector in taxa- Westwood. An example is Atlantic tion. “Nothing less than radical change will Petroleum, which produces oil in the UK prevent the premature demise of the basin, North Sea and has cut its exploration let alone maximize economic recovery,” spending for 2015 by 75 percent, arguing it said Dave Blackwood, former head of BP’s needed to save cash to fund its operating North Sea business, adding his voice to fields in the current oil price environment. industry calls for tax cuts. An increasing number of firms looking Britain’s finance ministry has said it is to enter new fields are now offering “farm- working on a reform of its oil and gas tax outs”, allowing investors including rival policy but its drive to reduce the budget companies, to take a stake in the new proj- Airbus CEO Fabrice Bregier (left) and Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker pose with a replica of an Airbus A350 during a ceremony deficit will limit its ability to cut rates. An ect. in Toulouse, southwestern France, yesterday. —AP election next May only adds to the political “(But) not that many are successful, uncertainty. British oil companies pay a hence the problem that we see in explo- supplementary levy on top of production ration activity,” Nottage said. Of the 133 Airbus delivers a350-900 income tax, which will drop by 2 percent- companies in the UK North Sea, more than age points to 30 percent on Jan. 1. The oil a third have not developed reserves in the industry is crying out for steeper cuts to basin, meaning they cannot bank on any help dampen the impact of surging costs. revenue from production in the short term. plane to Qatar Airways “You’ve got to get the tax change right. In the longer term, the large number of If you put it up too much, and arguably small-scale players accessing the North Sea that has happened, then it strangles activi- exploration market could lead to merger ty,” Mark Routh, chief executive at small activity to create more robust businesses. TOULOUSE, France: Airbus deliv- Fuel savings crucial But Airbus hopes to catch up with tered by the end of November. North Sea player Independent Oil and Gas, “The UK North Sea is definitely at an inflec- ered its first next-generation A350- Airlines are in a major push to its A350, whose wings and fuselage Boeing, meanwhile, has accumulated told Reuters. tion point. That inflection point will either 900 plane to Qatar Airways yester- modernize their fleets to reap the are made of carbon fibre and which 1,055 orders for the Dreamliner, send it down or have the potential to make day in a formal ceremony that energy savings that the latest gener- will save up to 25 percent in fuel con- which was launched several years Receipts fall sure it remains as a basin for another 10-15 kickstarts its bid to erode rival ation of planes offer, especially as sumption. Airbus invested 10-12 bil- ago. The first commercial flight of During the early 1980s, annual tax years,” said Alison Baker, head of PwC’s UK Boeing’s dominance in the lucra- competition in the sector is fierce lion euros ($12-$15 billion) in its strat- Qatar Airways’s brand new plane will receipts to Margaret Thatcher’s govern- oil and gas practice. —Reuters tive long-haul market. The Doha- take place on January 15 on the based company, owned by the Doha to Frankfurt route, and the sec- energy-rich Gulf state, has ordered ond A350-900 should come into 80 of the planes, making it not operation in February. Russia’s new grain export only the launch customer but also The airline is one of a trio of fast- the largest single customer of the growing Gulf carriers seeking to fur- duty sows confusion fuel-efficient A350 so far. ther muscle into European markets, Qatar Airways’s first A350 had as energy-rich states in the region MOSCOW: Russia stiffened its bid to curb grain Egypt are the largest buyers of Russian wheat. been due to be delivered on seek to develop new sources of exports yesterday with plans for a duty on ship- Neither man said when, at what level or for December 13 in the southwestern income to reduce their dependence ments, to defend domestic bread supply which type of grains the duty was to be French city of Toulouse where on oil. against a crumbling ruble. imposed. Russia used a protective duty on Airbus is based, but the airline Baker has described the delivery Russia, one of the world’s top wheat wheat exports in 2008. Officials are discussing a postponed the handover at the of the A350 as the “second significant exporters to North Africa and the Middle East, prohibitive duty and may impose it earlier than last moment, citing equipment in fleet milestone” for the carrier after has been exporting record volumes of grain this exporters are able to fulfil already-signed con- the cabin that did not correspond recently receiving three of 14 A380 year as the ruble fall attracted buyers. It brought tracts, an industry source familiar with the dis- to its requirements. “My dear superjumbo planes bought from in a large grain crop of 104 million tons but after cussions told Reuters. Akbar, you are a demanding cus- Airbus. the surge in exports Moscow needed to hang Dmitry Rylko, the head of IKAR consultancy, tomer, particularly demanding and TOULOUSE: A Qatar Airways A350 takes off from the Airbus The airline has also purchased sometimes even a little too Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner. The A350 on to its remaining stocks, Prime Minister said he expected the duty to be at a prohibitive headquarters in Toulouse yesterday. —AFP Dmitry Medvedev told a meeting with officials. level. Traders have forward contracts for Russian demanding, but you are also one program was launched in 2007, and “(We will) prepare a proposal for a decision grain until April. Last week, Russia cut railway of the architects of the A350,” and fuel is one of biggest costs. For egy to position the A350 between the first test flight for the plane took on export duty. It will be done within 24 hours,” loadings of grain for export, industry sources Airbus chief Fabrice Bregier told the moment, Boeing dominates the the popular B777 and the place in June last year. Bregier told Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich told said. State-controlled Russian Railways, which Qatar Airways head Akbar Al-Baker lucrative market for long-haul, mid- Dreamliner, hoping to eat away at reporters in Toulouse that Airbus the meeting. Medvedev told Dvorkovich to sub- has a monopoly on rail shipment, declined to at the ceremony. sized planes with its B777 and next- both planes’ markets. planned to ramp up production of its mit the proposal for his signature. Turkey and comment. —Reuters “We owe you a lot for this pro- generation 787 Dreamliner out- So far, the plane has been a suc- newest plane from two to 10 aircraft gram.” weighing the European firm’s A330. cess with 778 orders already regis- a month within four years. —AFP BUSINESS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 Euro stocks enjoy ‘Santa Claus rally’

LONDON: Europe’s main stock markets rose struck as the Federal Reserve signalled it may out after plunging by around 50 percent since Oil has however shed about half its lunchtime on Wednesday. strongly yesterday in a renewed “Santa Claus rise US interest rates in the middle of 2015. June. value since June, and a decision in rally” powered by a modest recovery in oil “As the markets begin to wind down for November by the Organization of • Focus ‘remains on oil’ - prices, dealers said. In late morning deals in Christmas, the Santa rally was still being felt ... • Oil market forges ahead - Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to “As we head towards the Christmas the British capital, London’s FTSE 100 index of with a quiet economic day ahead,” said London’s Brent crude for February delivery maintain output levels despite falling break and a short week, the main focus leading shares jumped 1.02 percent to Spreadex trader Connor Campbell. advanced 76 cents to $62.14 per barrel in late prices has weighed heavily on the mar- going forward is likely to remain on the 6,611.96 points compared with Friday’s close. “After spending the last six weeks as the morning deals, and US benchmark West Texas ket. recent volatility in the oil price, particu- Frankfurt’s DAX 30 won 0.67 percent to Scrooge of the economic world, oil has under- Intermediate (WTI) for February climbed 53 “Brent crude is up ... boosting energy larly if we get a fresh bout of selling pres- 9,852.58 points and in Paris the CAC 40 leapt gone a slight rejuvenation; in this current cli- cents to $57.66 a barrel. shares across the FTSE,” added ETX sure,” said CMC Markets analyst Michael 1.04 percent to 4,285.94. mate, any price above $60 per barrel for Brent The gains extended a rebound on Friday, Capital analyst Daniel Sugarman. Hewson. The euro edged up to $1.2260 after sliding crude oil is a signifier of hope for the markets.” wiping out losses earlier last week that saw “Tullow Oil, always sensitive to oil fluc- He added there were widespread con- as low as $1.2220 in earlier Asian deals, Global oil prices rebounded slightly, with prices hit fresh five-year lows on the back of tuations, is currently up, as are both BP cerns that further oil-market declines matching Friday’s two-year trough that was analysts predicting the sector has bottomed ample supplies and mounting demand worries. and Royal Dutch Shell.” “could prompt instability in oil producing In London, Tullow Oil stock added countries like Venezuela, Angola, Nigeria 1.46 percent to 430.40 pence, while BP and Ecuador, and of course not forget- gained 1.39 percent to 418.72 pence and ting Russia, as these countries struggle to Shell’s ‘B’ share price added 2.17 percent balance their books, against a weakening to 2,270.79 pence. currency, and a much weaker oil price”. French oil and gas giant Total was the Elsewhere, Asian equities also rose in biggest winner on the CAC index in Paris. thin trade Monday amid the festive Shares were 2.57 percent higher at 43.96 season, tracking cues from Wall Street euros. where stocks had also surged in a Fed- Rising oil prices lift the energy sector fuelled “Santa Claus rally” last week. because they boost company profits. Sydney soared 1.94 percent, Seoul Trading volumes meanwhile remained gained 0.68 percent, Hong Kong climbed low with many investors away from their 1.26 percent and Shanghai was up 0.61 desks for the traditional Christmas percent, while Tokyo closed flat. and New Year holiday shutdown. In Monday deals on the London The Frankfurt stock market closes for Bullion Market, gold firmed to Christmas after the close on Tuesday, $1,196.32 per ounce from $1,195.50 on while London and Paris will shut down at Friday. — AFP

TOKYO: A man looks at an electronic stock indicator of a securities firm in Tokyo yesterday. Global markets were mostly higher yesterday after the Federal Reserve’s pledge not to rush to raise interest rates prompted investors to add risky assets ahead of the year-end holiday. A rise in the price of oil boosted energy stocks. — AP Oil falls towards $61 on supply outlook LONDON: Oil fell towards $61 a barrel duction in the US.” yesterday, reversing gains after Saudi OPEC’s decision not to reduce pro- Arabia indicated it could increase its duction at a meeting in November output. Saudi Arabia is prepared to sped up the decline in already falling increase output and gain market share oil prices. Prospects for a cut in the by meeting the demands of any new near future look remote. While ana- customers, yesterday’s edition of the lysts said Brent would likely remain Saudi-owned al-Hayat newspaper above $60 a barrel this year, they said quoted the kingdom’s oil minister Ali further large jumps in price were Al-Naimi as saying. unlikely. On Sunday Naimi said lower crude Analysts said that the price drop prices would help demand by stimu- would have only a gradual impact on lating the economy. Brent fell 23 cents the outlook for production. “Given the to $61.15 by 1215 GMT. It is down lead time in permit approval and rig more than 46 percent from the year’s construction ahead of oil production, a peak in June above $115 per barrel. sizeable negative US supply response US crude was down 28 cents at $56.85 given the price drop is unlikely to take a barrel. place until late 2015, which places fur- “We are going down because you ther downward pressure on oil prices have some OPEC ministers who come in the first six months of next year,” every day making statements trying National Australia Bank said in a note. to drive the market down, said Olivier It said it expected Brent and US Jakob, an oil analyst at Petromatrix Oil crude to average $68 and $64 per bar- in Zug, Switzerland. “They come every rel respectively in 2015. Analysts also day to convey the message that they said they expected relatively low price are not doing anything to restrict sup- volatility for the rest of the year as plies and that they basically want oil traders begin to wind down their 2014 prices to move lower to reduce pro- positions. — Reuters Gold inches higher as dollar weakens, shares limit gains

LONDON: Gold edged up yesterday as dollar makes gold cheaper for holders of the dollar retreated against the euro, other currencies. European equities rose, though stronger equities and appetite underpinned by stronger energy shares for risk continued to dull the metal’s that were lifted by expectations that appeal as an alternative investment. Brent crude futures are likely to remain Strength in oil prices also supported bul- above $60 for the rest of the year. lion, which is usually seen as an hedge Gold received some early support against oil-led inflation. from buying in top gold consumer China, Spot gold was up 0.1 percent at where local prices were at a premium of $1,196.30 an ounce by 1025 GMT. It lost about $3 an ounce to the global bench- about 2 percent last week on a strong mark, though they slipped later in the dollar and expectations of rising US session to about $1. But the metal’s gains interest rates. Prices were forecast to could be difficult to hold because of remain in tight ranges during the holi- expectations of higher US interest rates day-shortened week. “I don’t think and a strong outlook for the dollar. The investors will enter the market at this market will monitor a series of US eco- time of the year, but liquidity is so thin nomic data, including GDP numbers, for that if there are orders to be filled the the third quarter today. impact could be very large,” ABN Amro Higher interest rates would boost the analyst Georgette Boele said. dollar and hurt non-interest-bearing bul- “I remain very bearish for 2015 ... If lion, which was lifted by central bank liq- you have a sentiment of positive risk uidity and a low interest rate environ- appetite and the same time for a higher ment in the years following the 2008 dollar and higher interest rates, gold will financial crisis. Among other precious not be able to move higher.” metals, silver was down 0.1 percent at The dollar fell 0.1 percent against a $16.05 an ounce. Platinum was basket of major currencies, mostly unchanged at $1,194.90 an ounce, falling because of euro strength, but was still again into parity with gold, and palladi- holding within striking distance of a um gained 0.3 percent to $802.40 an nine-year peak set on Friday. A weaker ounce. — Reuters BUSINESS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive among first car dealerships in Kuwait to offer valet parking service

KUWAIT: With a constant focus on providing enhanced customer experience, Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive (AAS), the exclusive importer for BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, Land Rover and McLaren, becomes one of the first automotive dealerships in Kuwait to offer valet parking services and make it even more enjoyable for car enthusiasts to shop for the car of their dreams. Through its latest partnership with Parking Pal, the valet parking service provider for some of Kuwait’s luxurious shopping destinations as well as hotels, all customers who come and visit the Ali Alghanim & Sons showroom will now relish the comfort and convenience of not having to worry about having to park their cars. “We at Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive always put the customer first in our list of priorities,” said Yousuf Al-Qatami, General Manager of Ali choices from some of the world’s foremost car For his part, Walid Asaloa, GM and founder of includes the auto request via text messages or IVR Alghanim & Sons Automotive. “By doing so, we brand manufacturers, we make sure that their cars Parking Pal company commented: “We are happy system or the scanning of the Q-R code, we are ensure an unrivalled customer experience right are properly parked only by the finest valet park- to be working together with Ali Alghanim & Sons truly proud of this collaboration as we always from the moment they arrive at our showroom”. ing service available in the market today,” he Automotive in providing the best valet parking strive to improve our services and exceed the “To enable them to enjoy the widest range of added. service. Using the latest technology, which expectations of our valued customers.” ABK launches the latest mobile banking application

KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait fast means of banking to the cus- launched a new Mobile Banking tomer.” application that customers can She elaborated that the updat- download for a secure and unique ed application allows customers banking experience. to keep track of their account bal- Sawsan Ali, Senior Manager, ance, transfer money locally and Alternative Delivery Channels stat- internationally, settle credit card ed, “ABK wanted to provide a dis- payments and calculate their tinctive mobile banking experi- loans. ence to meet a growing demand She added, “Customers can to make banking easy, convenient instantly access the latest pro- and accessible at all times. At the motions offered by ABK on this same time the mobile banking application, in addition to locat- had to be a smooth and secure ing ABK’s ATM machines, and experience. We are happy that this currency exchange rates, along newly launched app meets all cri- with several other services and teria, riding on the wave of new banking possibilities round the technology to deliver a safe and clock”. Sawsan Ali

LOS ANGELES: A house for sale in Los Angeles. The National Association of Realtors reports on sales of existing homes in November yesterday. — AP S Korea lowers outlook Moscow set to US existing home sales hit on weak private sector subsidize ailing ruble-hit 6-month low, inventories low SEOUL: South Korea lowered its growth forecast for next year, citing per- sistently weak sentiment among consumers and businesses. But the gov- airlines ernment predicted that overall economic conditions will improve from this Median house price rises 5.0% from a year ago year thanks to government measures, recovery in the US economy and the fall in oil prices. The finance ministry said yesterday that Asia’s fourth- MOSCOW: Moscow is to set to step in to WASHINGTON: US home resales tumbled to a six-month low year, well below the more than one million that is considered largest economy will expand 3.8 percent in 2015. Six months ago, it fore- support troubled Russian airlines badly in November after two straight months of strong increases, ideal. Economists polled by Reuters had expected sales to fall cast growth of 4.0 percent. It also lowered its forecast for this year to 3.4 hit by the collapse of the ruble and falling underscoring the uneven nature of the housing market recov- only to a 5.20-million unit pace. percent growth from the previous forecast of 3.7 percent. In 2013, South passenger numbers. Deputy Prime ery. The National Association of Realtors said yesterday exist- The dollar slipped against a basket of currencies after the Korea’s economy expanded 3.0 percent. The downward revision, which still Minister Arkadi Dvorkovitch said Monday ing home sales dropped 6.1 percent to an annual rate of 4.93 report. US stocks held their gains, though the housing index represents an improvement from the growth estimated for this year, shows he was considering credit guarantees and million units, the lowest level since May. November’s steep was trading down 0.3 percent. Prices for US Treasury debt the government’s challenge in encouraging consumers to spend more and subsidies worth up to 28 million euros decline probably does not signal the start of a weakening were little moved. First-time buyers are wading back into the businesses to boost investment despite its expansionary policies and the ($34 million) to support struggling air- trend and in part reflected stubbornly low inventories, which market, accounting for 31 percent of transactions last month. central bank’s two rate cuts this year. lines. touched an eight-month low, giving buyers limited options. That was the biggest share since October 2012 and was up Director-General Lee Chanwoo said the recovery in consumer spending He told the business daily Vedomosti Sales were up 2.1 percent from a year ago. from 29 percent in October. Economists and real estate agents and capital expenditure remained weaker than expected in the last two that two of the top three domestic air- “The report suggests that the housing market remains on a say a share of 40 percent to 45 percent is required for a strong months as consumers and businesses still have great uncertainties about lines, Transaero and UTair, were already in somewhat rocky footing as data remains quite choppy,” said housing recovery. Investors, who had supported the market, next year. The economic improvement in the last quarter stemmed mostly difficulty. “Firstly (we are looking at giv- Gennadiy Goldberg, an economist at TD Securities in New continued to withdraw in November. They accounted for 15 from the government policies. The government will introduce measures ing) companies credit guarantees which York. percent of transactions last month, down from 19 percent in next year to boost wages and to push businesses to use their cash reserves are very powerful because they give Housing has struggled to shift into higher gear after stag- November 2013. to create jobs and increase investment, he said. As one of those measures, banks an interest in resolving the prob- nating in the second half of 2013 in the wake of a jump in The inventory of unsold homes on the market fell 6.7 per- the country’s national pension fund will play a more active role as a share- lem,” he said. mortgage rates, which have since pulled back from their cent from a year ago to 2.09 million. At November’s sales pace, holder to pressure companies to increase dividends. The government will “Second comes subsidies for domestic peaks. It has lagged an acceleration in economic activity as it would take 5.1 months to clear houses from the market, also seek to increase minimum wages and spend nearly 60 percent of its flights. We are ready to widen the number tepid wage growth, a shortage of properties available for sale unchanged from October. A six months’ supply is viewed as a annual budget during the first half of next year. Lee said these measures of subsidized routes to make connections and higher home prices sidelined first-time buyers. healthy balance between supply and demand. will boost domestic demand and also reduce the economy’s reliance on viable,” he added. The newspaper said But there optimism that a broadening of job gains will With supply declining, house price gains remained ele- exports. South Korea’s growth was mostly driven by exports of goods, such Transaero will begin to benefit from credit translate into stronger wage growth in 2015 and stimulate vated, though the pace of increases is slowing. The median as cars and televisions, but the government has been trying to boost guarantees this week. demand for housing. Household formation, a key ingredient home price increased 5.0 percent in November from a year domestic demand. Next year, the contribution of domestic demand to Airlines have been among the first hit for a healthy housing market, is running at about 500,000 a ago. — Reuters growth will outpace that of exports according to Lee.—AP by the currency crisis because of the international nature of their business and the landing charges they must pay in foreign currency. The price of air tickets has Tesco masterplan? New boss keeps investors guessing jumped twice by 12 percent and then 14 percent as the ruble has tumbled against LONDON: When Phil Clarke was sacked as Tesco’s issues and products have been kept to separate steady customer-focused improvements. Price Lewis now heads a team depleted further still the euro and the dollar. CEO, senior executives hoped his 0700 strategy teams, with all big decisions taken by Lewis and cuts, major asset disposals and a cash call to fix by suspensions and exits, and retaining talent With rising prices, passenger numbers meetings would go with him. They did - new Stewart, the former finance chief at Marks & creaking finances are all options. His decision to could be a difficult task. “Him keeping ... everyone have dropped back sharply in recent boss Dave Lewis starts his at 0630. Spencer. take over temporarily the day-to-day leadership sort of slightly in the dark feeds uncertainty. months. On Sunday the TASS official Parachuted in from Unilever in September, “He tends to operate keeping everything of the UK operation - whose boss left after the Nobody is quite sure whether they are in the news agency said Transaero, the country’s Lewis soon faced the task of making the shock compartmentalised, so he keeps his own counsel accounting scandal - is illustrative of his hands-on gang or not,” the source close to the situation second airline, had asked for state help announcement that a 250 million pound ($391 on the masterplan,” said the source, who did not approach, punctuated by emails fired off to staff said. claiming there was “a risk of flights being million) hole had been found in Tesco’s profits, in wish to be named. “He doesn’t have a core five or around the clock. Investors will hope that in his Jan. 8 update suspended before the end of the year an accounting scandal that led to the departure six people that he discusses everything with.” Earlier this month, according to an industry Lewis will ditch the corporate jargon which - because the company did not have the of several senior executives. Tesco declined to comment for this story. source, he personally took charge of meetings despite an army of PR advisors - has proved a hin- money to pay its sub-contractors.” Now the CEO - despite having no direct retail Lewis arrived in the worst crisis in the grocer’s 95- with Tesco’s top 25 suppliers, instead of newly drance both internally and externally. The company denied it was about to experience - is keeping management on a tight year history. Nicknamed “Drastic Dave” after fix- promoted commercial director Jason Tarry, to the The Financial Times this month ran a “Dave cut flights, claiming there was a campaign rein and personally taking charge of key areas of ing units of Unilever with cost cuts and innova- surprise of some attendees. Incorrectly booking Lewis jargon-buster” to help readers decipher to “discredit” it, but admitted that as dur- the business, sources say. And as he conducts a tive marketing, he will have to show similar payments from suppliers was at the centre of the phrases such as “rebasing relationships with sup- ing the crisis of 2008-2009, public help vast review of Tesco’s operations to come up with resolve to improve Tesco’s competitiveness and accounting debacle, which is being investigated pliers”. was needed. a strategy to revive its fortunes, he is giving little strengthen the balance sheet of the firm which by Britain’s accounting watchdog and Serious Analysts, drawing parallels with Tesco’s current The leading regional carrier UTair is away - even to insiders. The 49-year-old has issued its fourth profit warning in five months Fraud Office. plight, say when Lewis returned to Unilever UK in having trouble repaying its debts to promised to give some details on Jan. 8 about two weeks ago. With Tesco’s share price having halved in a 2005 it was suffering from declining market Russia’s Alfa Bank, which took it to court the measures he plans to take, but all the con- After two decades of growth, Tesco has lost its year, the spotlight is on what it must do to revital- share, had an uncompetitive cost base and a in early December and threatened to tents of his blueprint have not yet even been way - distracted by an expensive overseas expan- ize a business still the UK market leader but now weak image with customers. Nine years on, it’s seize part of its fleet. The company claims seen by senior management at the firm, accord- sion strategy when it needed to respond to the steadily losing share. However, company insiders revitalized. One unnamed former UK Tesco direc- it is working normally despite the legal ing to a source close to the situation. rise of discount grocers; and wrong-footed by a say challenges also lie much closer to Lewis at his tor, who knows Lewis, said he was a “formidable” action. The airline made world headlines In fact the only member of the leadership boom in convenience stores and online shop- head office in Cheshunt, north of London. During fighter. “I think he’s getting a good grip of things in November when passengers on one of team to be consulted on the new strategy is ping. Clarke’s disastrous three-year-and-a-half year and I think he’ll do a decent job,” he told Reuters. its flights from Siberia had to get out and another newcomer to the firm, Chief Financial tenure, Tesco’s management talent pool was irre- “The big issue is how he sets his stall out for the push their plane in temperatures of minus Officer Alan Stewart, the source said. ‘In the gang’ sponsibly reduced, according to former company next two to three years, not the current focus on 52 degrees Celsius after the parking brake Key internal talks around financials, customer Lewis has said there is no quick fix, and favors directors. profits.” — Reuters froze shut. — AFP BUSINESS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

Al-Sayer Group Holding signs partnership agreement with UNEP Strategic cooperation for sustainable development

KUWAIT: Al-Sayer Group Holding on December 9, 2014 signed a partnership agreement with one of the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP). This agreement will support key International Awards assigned by UNEP to enhance kid’s participation in the environmental activities. The agreement was signed by Dr Iyad Abumoghli, Director & Regional Representative for the UNEP and Mubarak Naser Al- Sayer, CEO Al-Sayer Group Holding. Heads of business divisions as well as CSR representatives of the Group also attended the official event. Mubarak Al-Sayer said, “The new partnership of Al- Sayer Group as a private sector enterprise and UNEP, lays the foundation stone for the strategic cooperation towards the sustainable development on the regional, national and international levels”. Meanwhile Dr Iyad Abu Moghly mentioned, “The UNEP association with Al Sayer Group’s reflects their efforts to become an international partner for different type of activities intended to enhance socio-economic well-being and to reduce the ecological footprint to assure the sustainability of this planet”. Finally announcing the “Toyota Dream Car Art 662000 children from over 75 countries/regions has Ministry of Education and Society of Engineering. The ed in the recently conducted KIDS ISO workshop Contest” being held in Kuwait between November and participated and expressed their dream cars in the Green Camp, which will also be organized between will visit the camp for an educational trip in addi- March 2015, Eng Nehad Al-Haj Ali - Manager, 2014 contest. All kids between the age group 6-14 are November and March 2014 - 2015, will benefit tion to taking part in the Toyota Dream Car Art Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility stated invited for participation. employees as well as the local community through Contest and delegates from Mouvement “RENEWBLE ENERGY” is the theme of this year’s con- Al-Sayer Group will also open a “Green Camp” in educational seminars and workshops to gain better International pour le Loisir Scientifique et test. To help children develop and express their cre- Sulaibiya - Kabad, which is a solar powered facility to understanding about saving energy and protecting Technique (MILSET), Environmental Committee at ativity and to share their dreams with them, Toyota has host several environmental seminars and activities, environment. Engineering Society in Kuwait will be invited for a been holding this contest since 2004. More than organized in partnership with Ministry of Electricity, Students from different schools who participat- facility tour of the camp.

Service Hero Customer Satisfaction Index 2014 attracts record number of customers

KUWAIT: Service Hero, Kuwait’s first and only annual customer was established for. On the one hand, we have given regular con- satisfaction index, begins the countdown towards the conclusion sumers an empowering platform that allows them to rate the of the 2014 assessment’s sampling phase which ends on midnight service they receive whether positive or negative. On the other of December 31. Positive participation gives customers the oppor- hand, we have available for companies detailed industry category tunity to evaluate the level and quality of the services they acquire reports that are rigorous, credible and neutral so that they can on a regular basis, and express requirements, needs and expecta- learn about their market position. While counting down to the tions. Assessment is available via Service Hero website, various conclusion of the sampling phase, where we receive customers’ social media platforms and a smart phone application. detailed feedback on the quality of products and services they have bought or used, I would urge consumers in Kuwait to go ahead and fill up the assessment if they haven’t done so, their comments whether negative or positive, are valuable and will help improve services to meet their expectations now and in the near future”. Data collection so far has surpassed 22,000 consumer assessments which is a record sample size on a national level and which ensures small error margins. Data is 100 percent based on consumer feedback and the second phase of the assessment process will be the ‘findings and analysis phase’ where quality checks are conducted, followed by validation of the results and then tabulate all the votes. Top ranking companies in each category will be honored during Service Hero’s annual awards ceremony taking place The new AMG 4.0-litre in February 2015. Each industry category is measured across up to eight service dimensions, which are reliability, speed, product quality, staff Faten Abu-Ghazaleh quality, value for money, location, call center and website quality. V8 biturbo engine These dimensions are assessed on a ‘before and after experience’ basis to evaluate the difference between customer expectations The assessment index is divided into 17 industry categories. of service and actual satisfaction with the service. This method will KUWAIT: Mercedes-AMG presents a new technological master- the engine to be installed lower, which moves the centre of These are: cafes, casual dining, fine dining, fast food, retail clothes, allow participating companies to learn about any shortcomings piece: the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine is a new develop- gravity closer to the road and forms the basis for high lateral home furniture, regional airlines, retail and Islamic banks, hospi- and where they fall below expectations. The index also measures ment at the sporting heart of the new Mercedes-AMG GT car. acceleration. The M178 (in-house designation) from AMG is tals, electronics stores, internet services providers, mobile opera- loyalty of customers towards their service providers. This innovative eight-cylinder unit stands out for its sublime thus the world’s first sports car engine with hot inside V and tors, car agents, car service centers, supermarkets and health The company has facilitated accessibility of the survey by mak- power delivery, the purposeful lightweight construction, as well dry sump lubrication. With a dry weight of 209 kg the new clubs. ing it available not only through the website, as its high efficiency and environmental compatibility. With AMG V8 is also the lightest engine in its competitive segment. Faten Abu-Ghazaleh, Service Hero President, said: “This year www.servicehero.com, but also through the company’s social peak power of up to 375 kW (510 hp) and maximum torque of we celebrate Service Hero’s fifth anniversary in Kuwait, and we media channels and by downloading it as an application for smart up to 650 Nm the new AMG V8 delivers motorsport-inspired The new AMG M178 V8 engine at a glance: believe, and results do show, that we have started to make a real phones, making it as easy as possible for customers to voice their performance. The new sports car engine follows in an impres- Superior power delivery and difference and will continue to achieve the goals this company opinions. sive V8 tradition that started in 1967 with the M100 in the leg- motorsport-inspired performance endary 300 SEL 6.8 AMG racing car and continues with trend- As the latest member of the Mercedes-Benz BlueDIRECT setting features of the future. engine family, the AMG M178 stands out for its superior power delivery and motorsport-inspired performance. It boasts an Huawei listed as key smart city vendor emotive and unmistakable AMG V8 engine sound, along with an immediate response and high pulling power. The torque in Navigant Research leadership report curve is synonymous with good driveability: the peak of 650 Nm is available in the broad range from 1750 to 4750 rpm. KUWAIT: Huawei-a global ICT solutions capabilities a challenging exercise. city banner. With a displacement of 3982 cc, in terms of technology the provider- has recently been listed as one Huawei was identified as a strong Commenting on the announcement, V8 is closely related to the AMG 2.0-litre turbo engine in the A the world’s leading smart city technolo- Contender on the Navigant Research Safder Nazir, Regional Vice President of 45 AMG, CLA 45 AMG and GLA 45 AMG, which is currently the gy vendors as part of a global study by Smart City Leaderboard by meeting a Smart Cities & IoT at Huawei, Middle most powerful, series-production four-cylinder engine in the Navigant Research. The report cites that series of criteria that showed its ability East said: “It is encouraging to see that world. Both AMG engines have the same bore/stroke ratio, Huawei’s smart city strategy and execu- to: deliver smart infrastructure IT and the industry is recognizing our Smart guaranteeing high revving ability. Mixture formation comes tion were key areas of strength that communications solutions, support City capabilities a strong contender in courtesy of third-generation direct petrol injection with piezo makes Huawei a strong Contender in cities across multiple operational and this market. Following the announce- injectors. The highly efficient and economical AMG 4.0-litre, V8 the smart city market. vertical sector infrastructure issues and ment of Huawei’s Smart City ‘Center of biturbo engine meets the Euro 6 emissions standard. In a bid to highlight the key players use its global network in order to work Excellence’ in 2014, Huawei is in a posi- in the market, Navigant Research devel- with cities in multiple regions. tion to provide the right expertise to Cylinder bore liners oped an assessment that offers an eval- According to Navigant Research esti- transform regional smart city initiatives The aluminium crankcase is produced using sand casting uation of vendors that have the capacity mates, the global smart city technology from concept to reality.” technology and features a closed deck design. This ensures to support cities across a range of oper- market is expected to be worth more A key player in supporting the devel- extreme strength whilst keeping the weight as low as possi- ational and infrastructural issues. The than $27.5 billion annually by 2023, opment of the region’s smart city initia- ble, and enables high injection pressures of up to 130 bar. The report also assessed vendors who were compared to $8.8 billion in 2014. This tives, Huawei believes that the future of Powerful V8 engines have long been a core competence at cylinder bore surfaces feature NANOSLIDE(r) technology able to deliver on large-scale projects represents a compound annual growth smart cities lies in Mobile Broadband- AMG, the performance brand from Mercedes-Benz. Innovative which makes them twice as hard as conventional cast-iron lin- spanning multiple city requirements. rate (CAGR) during that period of 13.5 based services. The global ICT solutions and exciting high-performance engines come out of the loca- ings. The Navigant Research report, pub- percent. Cumulative global investment provider recently launched a white tion in Affalterbach. On this occasion, Mercedes-AMG GmbH is lished as of Q4 2014, outlined the posi- in smart city technologies over the paper in collaboration with IDC high- entirely responsible for both development and production. Dry sump lubrication tion of 16 of the world’s most prominent decade is expected to reach $174.4 bil- lighting the enablement of smart cities Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Thanks to the use of dry sump lubrication, a conventional smart city vendors and where they lion. with Mobile Broadband. The white Mercedes-AMG GmbH: “V8 engines are an integral part of the oil pan is redundant. Already installed low down, the engine place in the market. The report main- The concept of the smart city covers paper follows another recent IDC report AMG philosophy and the brand’s commitment to ‘Driving could thus be dropped by a further 55 millimetres. This lowers tains the growing importance of bench- a wide range of communities and gov- unveiling figures that government Performance’. The V8 biturbo engine for our new GT is going the vehicle’s centre of gravity, which is ideal for a sports car marking vendors as city service ernance models spanning from megaci- spending in the Middle East and Africa to delight our customers!” with extremely high lateral dynamics. In addition to improved providers go in search of technology ty regions to small towns and from his- is set to top $8.27 billion, an 11.4 per- Christian Enderle, Head of Engine and Powertrain agility, dry sump lubrication ensures direct oil extraction from providers who can help them deliver on toric urban centers to greenfield devel- cent increase as more regional govern- Development at Mercedes-AMG: “The new AMG 4.0-litre V8 the crankcases for optimal engine lubrication, even at high their smart city vision. opments. Similarly, an incredible diversi- ments expand their mobile govern- biturbo sees us presenting an exciting and powerful sports car speeds on bends. Dr. Eric Woods, Research Director, ty of customers, suppliers, technologies, ment, online services and mobile broad- engine which, thanks to a number of measures, also repre- Navigant Research said: “Huawei’s and requirements fall under the smart band networks1. sents the next step in efficiency.” Cylinder heads with zirconium alloy appearance on the Smart City Suppliers The cylinder heads in the new AMG 4.0-litre, V8 biturbo Leaderboard reflects both its core role First sports car engine with ‘hot engine are made of a zirconium alloy for maximum tempera- delivering communications and IT infra- inside V’ and dry sump lubrication ture resistance and thermal conductivity. Four overhead structures for smart city initiatives and The new AMG V8 engine has two turbochargers which are camshafts control a total of 32 valves. Camshaft adjustment the growing ambitions of suppliers in not mounted on the outside of the cylinder banks but rather on the inlet and outlet side enables an excellent response and this market.” inside the V configuration - experts call it a ‘hot inside V’. The optimises the gas cycle for each operating point. Optimised “The research is a reflection of the benefits are a compact engine design, an optimum response valve springs and the low-friction valve gear with cam follow- competition in the market as vendors and low exhaust gas emissions. Dry sump lubrication allows ers deliver further fuel savings. are becoming much more serious about developing Smarty City initiatives. Governments and city leaders are look- Cyber security landscape and threats ing to deepen their vendor relationships to plan for larger scale programs and KUWAIT: Hasibat Information Technologies Co, the premier ICT organization that takes care of government IT policies. deployments. We look forward to seeing systems integrator in Kuwait organized Cyber Security Landscape Maya Zakhour -Channel Director, Osama Abduo - System the maturity of Smart Cities develop, and Threats seminar showcasing the solutions from its strategic Engineer and Kalle Bjorn-Director System Engineering were the where they can leverage the integration partner, FORTINET. speakers from the FORTINET team. They presented an overview of of technology into a strategic approach FORTINET is a worldwide provider of network security appli- FORTINET vision in tackling the ever increasing and threatening to sustainability, citizen well-being, and ances and the market leader in unified threat management menace of Cyber attack and how FORTINET is developing solu- economic development.” (UTM). FORTINET products and subscription services provide tions for the businesses to protect themselves against these The vendor eco-system for smart city broad, integrated and high-performance protection against attacks. developments continues to expand at dynamic security threats while simplifying the IT security infra- Hasibat would extend its thanks to the customers and an increasing rate, which has created a structure. FORTINET team for this event. During the event the CEO of complex and dynamic market, especial- Hasibat is Fortinet Gold partner in Kuwait. Since 2008, Hasibat Hasibat, Mazen Ishbib, reiterated the importance of the strategic ly in the Middle East. The smart city has increased the market share of FORTINET in Kuwait with over partnership with Fortinet. He also stressed upon the fact, with the technology market is characterized by a 20 percent of market share. growing concerns about IT security and threats on daily basis, diverse range of vendors spanning Hasibat has implemented a large number of projects across businesses have to be proactive in protecting their company across a variety of sectors, which makes various customer segments and is proud of one of its largest information and infrastructure to avoid any damage to their oper- a comparison of their strengths and FORTINET project ($4 million) in Kuwait for a premier government ations and reputation. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 technology US finds malware Activity trackers get smarter

targeting visitors NEW YORK: Fitness activity trackers have come a and fitness tracker, and will include heart rate data,” but added their use is not always long lasting. long way since Leonardo da Vinci sketched a rudi- Duffy said. “Surveys show that as of September 2013, one in mentary gear-and-pendulum pedometer to track Consumers bought an estimated 84 million fit- 10 American adults wore a fitness tracker,” said to Afghan websites the treks of 15th century Roman soldiers. ness tracking devices in 2013, ranging in price from Archer, author of “Fitness 9 to 5.” Today’s devices count calories, measure sleep $49 to $200, according to the analyst group IHS But 30 percent of people who buy a device, no WASHINGTON: Malicious software likely who had checked the Afghan govern- patterns and monitor heart rates as well as steps. technology. It predicts that number will grow longer use it within six months. To select a tracker, linked to China was used to infect visitors ment sites for information. Fitness experts predict their popularity and useful- beyond 120 million by 2019. Archer suggests considering three factors - how it to a wide range of official Afghan govern- Barger said the attack was a variant of ness will grow as they become more sophisticated. “Even with all the options for fitness trackers, is intended to be used, where it will be worn and ment websites, US cybersecurity what he called a typical “watering-hole” “Two big changes to fitness trackers since last we’re still early in the game,” said Neal Pire, an exer- how much data will be tracked. She also said researchers say. attack in which the attackers infect a large year is that more of them now support heart rate cise physiologist with the American College of novices should begin with a simple model, estab- ThreatConnect, a Virginia-based cyber- number of victims, and then follow up monitoring and several of them have smartwatch Sports Medicine. lish a baseline, and try to gradually increase those security firm, said its researchers last week with the most “promising” hits to extract functionality,” said Jill Duffy, a senior analyst at the He said tracking information and storing it in levels. bDuffy envisions a time when trackers will found a corrupted JavaScript file that was data. He said researchers this summer saw computer magazine PCMag.com. the cloud for easy access helps some, but not all focus more on overall health than exercise. used to host content on “gov.af” websites, a malicious Java file on the website of the She said smartphone functionality means, for exercisers stay on track. “Imagine if your doctor had access to your heart and there are no known antivirus protec- Greek embassy in Beijing while a high-lev- example, showing incoming text messages from “There are people who work really well with rate information over the last 60 days and could tions available for the malware. el delegation led by Keqiang was visiting one’s smartphone on the tracker itself. keeping a food or exercise log,” he explained. see when a change occurred?” she said. “That’s Rich Barger, chief intelligence officer of Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras in “The upcoming Apple Watch, which is due out “Others are not only disinterested: they hate it.” why all these trackers are meaningful in the long ThreatConnect, told Reuters his company Athens. The two events were not directly in January, will be both a complete smartwatch Los Angeles-based trainer Shirley Archer agreed run.” — Reuters was confident the new campaign, related, Barger said, and additional “Operation Poisoned Helmand,” was research was needed into the status of linked to the “Poisoned Hurricane” cam- ministerial and official government web- paign detected this summer by another sites on or around the dates of notable NYC subways slowly upgrading security firm, FireEye, that linked it to Chinese delegations and or bilateral Chinese intelligence. meetings. He said the latest attack was very In this case, the malware was created recent and one timestamp associated on Dec. 13, just days before the high-level from 1930s-era technology with the Java file was from Dec. 16, the meeting, Barger said. The malware was same day Chinese Prime Minister Li found on numerous Afghan government NEW YORK: New York City’s subways - the Keqiang met with Afghanistan’s chief websites, including the ministries of jus- biggest U.S. mass transit network - serve more executive officer, Abdullah Abdullah in tice, foreign affairs, education, commerce than 6 million daily riders who depend largely Kazakhstan. and industry, finance and women’s affairs, on a signal system that dates back to the China is seeking to take a more active and the Afghan embassy in Canberra, Great Depression of the 1930s. Antiquated role in Afghanistan as the United States Australia, according to ThreatConnect, electro-mechanics with thousands of moving and NATO reduce their military presence. which was formerly known as Cyber parts are still critical to operations. “We found continued activity from Squared. Dispatchers still monitor most trains from 24- Chinese specific actors that have used the By late Sunday, Barger said it hour underground “towers,” and they still put Afghan government infrastructure as an appeared that the malicious Java file had pencil to paper to track their progress. attack platform,” Barger said, adding that either been inactivated by the attackers Chinese intelligence could use the mal- or “cleaned up” by the Afghan govern- That eight-decade-old system is slowly ware to gain access to computer users ment. — Reuters being replaced by 21st-century digital technology that allows up to twice as many trains to safely travel closer together. But there’s a big caveat: It could take at least 20 years for Puzzle over safety the city’s 700 miles (1,127 kilometers) of tracks to be fully computerized. Of the subway system’s almost two dozen of driverless cars major lines, just one, the L linking Manhattan and Brooklyn, currently operates on new, LOS ANGELES: California’s Department of businesses in Ohio responded to the computerized, automated signals. And the Motor Vehicles will miss a year-end dead- DMV’s request. None was ready to imple- modernization of the No. 7 line from line to adopt new rules for cars of the ment a program immediately. Manhattan to Queens has begun, to be com- future because regulators first have to fig- So the department is asking industry, pleted by 2017. ure out how they’ll know whether “driver- consumer groups and other interested So, for at least the foreseeable future, New less” vehicles are safe. parties to gather in January for a public York subway riders can expect the snags, It’s a rare case of the law getting ahead workshop on safety standards. weekend shutdowns and overcrowding they of an emerging technology and reflects Whatever course California officials have become accustomed to. regulators’ struggle to balance consumer take could influence how other states - “We’re at the physical limits of what the protection with innovation. and perhaps even the federal government Safety is a chief selling point, since self- - approach the issue. California is such a original technology can carry,” acknowledges driving cars - thanks to an array of sensors large consumer market that in many cases Adam Lisberg, spokesman for the - promise to have much greater road its rules become de facto national stan- Metropolitan Transportation Authority that awareness and quicker reaction time than dards. New York City Transit’s subways. people. Plus, they won’t text, drink or doze Federal transportation officials have But he says safety is not being sacrificed. off. Though the cars are at least a few years said they don’t plan to write driverless car “This stuff is old, but it works - it works really away from showrooms, seven companies safety standards any time soon, and they well,” he says, his voice rising above the roar of are testing prototypes on California’s don’t want states writing their own. SAE a 400-ton train passing through a Greenwich roads, and regulators have questions: Do International, an association of engineers, Village station. they obey all traffic laws? What if their has been developing a set of safety guide- Much of New York’s subways continue to NEW YORK: This Dec. 16, 2014 photo shows manual levers on a section of the MTA subway computers freeze? Can they smoothly lines - but those are for vehicle testing and operate with the equipment from the 1930s, interlocking switch and signal control board, in New York. Transit officials are now replacing the 1930s manual signal system with 21st century digital technology that will allow more hand control back to human drivers? don’t get into specific performance levels kept running by a maintenance team that’s trains to travel closer together and a growing ridership to move around the city faster. — AP DMV officials say they won’t let the that would be needed for commercially forced to fabricate replacement parts long out public get self-driving cars until someone available cars. of production. Hidden from straphangers, these are the The updating has allowed more cars to be can certify that they don’t pose an undue California’s Jan. 1 deadline was set by a Wynton Habersham, the MTA’s chief of sig- guts of the urban transit network that guide added to the L line, which has become one of risk. The problem is that the technology 2012 state law that regulated testing on nals and track operations, recently led an subway traffic through nearly 500 stations. the city’s most crowded thanks to growth in remains so new there are no accepted public roads and required the DMV to Associated Press reporter and photographer Behind a door off a platform on Brooklyn’s hip Williamsburg neighborhood. standards to verify its safety. Absent stan- publish rules guiding what carmakers on a walking tour through some of the 22 Manhattan’s West Side at 14th Street is the sys- It will cost up to $250 million to convert dards, certifying safety would be like need to do before they can bring the vehi- control “towers” - as the dispatcher spaces are grading a test without an answer key. cles to market. The law also says the DMV tem’s single gleaming, high-tech operation. It each control tower and link it to tracks and called, though they’re buried deep beneath Broadly, the department has three should encourage the development of dri- allows about two dozen L trains to move each switches. The work is included in the MTA’s options: It could follow the current U.S. verless cars. the streets. hour in both directions - compared to about five-year capital program, which uses city, system, in which manufacturers self-certi- Regulations often lag cutting-edge In the cramped, worn-out Greenwich 15 with the old mechanics - on a route that state and federal money but has a $15 billion fy their vehicles; it could opt for a technology, but California’s driverless car Village tower, MTA workers monitor light takes an average of 37 minutes. funding gap. European system, in which independent policy has developed sooner because of boards that show train locations and move- Amid peeling paint, rusty stairs and old- Europe has long been ahead of the United companies verify safety; or the state could lobbying from one of the state’s signature ment. The dispatchers answer phone calls and fashioned metal cabinets is a labyrinth of digi- States, with several cities including London (implausibly) get into the testing busi- companies: Google. listen to two-way radio reports while keeping talized panels and switches that automatically and Paris operating mass transit rails equipped ness. Self-driving vehicles are a departure an eye on each train’s progress. A massive cab- relay signals in the tunnels, tracing both direc- with updated signals. “The New York system is “It’s a huge undertaking,” said Bernard from the Silicon Valley giant’s Internet inet is arrayed with levers to move switches tion and speed without human help. In case of big and a finite amount of money was avail- Soriano, who oversees the DMV’s regula- search and advertising core, but a priority through a warren of electrical connections to an emergency, however, the computerized able, for decades,” concludes engineer Nabil tory process. “There are all of these issues for co-founder Sergey Brin. relays that were cutting-edge technology at controls can be manually overridden by opera- Ghaly, the MTA’s chief signal engineer until he that need to be adequately answered.” Even before Google pushed the 2012 the same time as the Hindenburg airship. tors in the cab of each train. retired in 2007. “We have to catch up. — AP Manufacturers generally would prefer law that officially legalized driverless tech- self-certification. That may be where nology, the Silicon Valley giant had dis- California ends up, but for now the DMV is patched its cars hundreds of thousands of exploring independent certification - miles. Google says its Toyota Priuses and something that doesn’t exist for driverless Lexus SUVs, souped up with radar, cam- Wall Street eyes Uber, Airbnb cars. eras and laser sensors, have an excellent In July, the DMV asked third-party safety record. They have been involved in NEW YORK: Wall Street in 2014 enjoyed its best testers whether they’d be interested in just a “few” accidents, though not at fault year for initial public offerings since 2000, thanks getting into the game. The department in any of them, spokeswoman Courtney to the record-setting flotation of Chinese doesn’t have the expertise to create a safe- Hohne said. Internet giant Alibaba and a barrage of biotech ty standard and testing framework, so “the Google has its own idea for how to deals. department wanted to get a very good determine whether vehicles are safe. At a Activity was “uninterrupted” and proved sense of what is out there in the market,” March hearing on DMV regulations, Ron largely immune to forces that at times rattled according to Russia Chavis, a deputy sec- Medford, the company’s driverless car equity markets, Renaissance Capital said in a retary at the California State safety director and a former federal report this week. Transportation Agency, which oversees transportation official, suggested the “While various global events, such as Russia’s the DMV and requested a deeper explo- department do road testing. “I would be incursion into the Ukraine and conflicts in the ration of third-party alternatives to self- cautious,” he said, “not to make some of Middle East, caused nervousness in global mar- certification. these things more complicated than they kets, they largely failed to disrupt the US IPO Two large European testers and two are.” — AP applecart,” Renaissance said. Renaissance said there were 273 stock debuts in 2014, up 23 percent from 2013. Dealogic released similar numbers, counting 291 offerings, up 27 percent from 2013. Analysts are gearing up for another heady year in 2015, citing a deep pipeline of securities filings CHINA: The Baidu logo is seen outside the Baidu headquarters in Beijing. Baidu, China’s from leading prospects and investor zeal for such leading search engine, and ride sharing company Uber announced a strategic investment hot names such as apartment rental website and cooperation agreement. —AFP Airbnb and app-based taxi service Uber. Bank of Scotland, with $3.0 billion gained, and came to market below the proposed pricing New entrants to US equity markets raised $85 Synchrony Financial, which was spun out of range, the report said. billion in 2014, according to Renaissance, about General Electric, with $2.9 billion. Experts expect another strong year in 2015, 55 percent more than in 2013. A big chunk of this year’s IPOs came out of the owing to a heavy number of securities filings “What is behind the growth is that companies health sector, with biotechs comprising 25 per- from companies disclosing plans to do offerings. are really growing and need more capital to con- cent of total deal volume at 69 offerings, Renaissance has a private company “watchlist” of tinue to accelerate their growth,” Bob Greifeld, Renaissance said. 255 companies that could go public. Nasdaq chief executive, said on CNBC. “That is Biotech offerings also accounted for eight of More than 80 percent are in the tech sector. great for the overall economy.” the top 10 IPOs in terms of return to shareholders. The list includes web registration company The year 2000 remains the best on record for However, the health sector also was responsible GoDaddy and subscription-based music stream- IPOs, with 406 offerings raising $96 billion, for five of the 10 worst-performing new stocks. ing service Spotify. Renaissance noted. Paradoxically, while the US In all, the average new stock finished 16 per- “Overall positive returns and a large pipeline and China spar for the distinction of the world’s cent higher at the end of the year compared with suggest that consistent deal flow should continue biggest economy, the Chinese Internet market- its IPO price. That was well below the 40.8 percent into 2015, tempered by disciplined pricing,” place Alibaba emerged as a key player behind gain in 2013. Renaissance said. New York’s banner year. Alibaba in September Renaissance cited the sell-off in energy IPOs in “While IPOs in 2015 will have to grapple with a became the biggest IPO in history, raising $22 bil- the latter part of the year as oil prices tanked, as Fed ready to raise interest rates, a depressed ener- lion. well as a correction in high-multiple tech stocks in gy sector and concerns over economic growth Besides Alibaba, nine other companies raised March and April, for the year-over-year decline. abroad, the US IPO market proved its resiliency more than $1 billion in 2014. They included Twice as many deals were postponed in 2014 this year, and has the potential to create another MOUNTAIN VIEW: In this May 13 2014, file photo, a Google self-driving car goes on a Citizens Financial, a unit of British bank Royal compared with the prior year and 40 percent post-2000 record.” — AFP test drive near the Computer History Museum. — AP TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE Unlicensed Cambodian doctor charged over mass HIV infection PHNOM PENH: An unlicensed tion to infect others with HIV/AIDS, mur- Cambodian doctor was charged yester- der with cruel act, and operating an day over an apparent mass HIV infection unlicensed clinic,” prosecutor Nuon San in a remote village after admitting he told AFP. He faces a maximum sentence reused needles when treating patients, of life imprisonment if convicted just of officials said. Hundreds of panicked resi- murder with “cruel act”. The motive for dents of Roka village in the western the alleged deliberate infections was province of Battambang have flocked unclear. Despite the murder charge, no for testing since news of the infections deaths have yet been reported in con- emerged two weeks ago, with more nection with the case. CHINA: This picture taken on December 18, 2014 shows an eight-year-old boy than 100 people believed to have been The outbreak in the village of around - who suffers from HIV and was given the pseudonym Kunkun by Chinese CHINA: An eight-year-old boy - who suffers from HIV sitting on a infected. Yem Chroeum, a 55-year-old 800 residents emerged in late media - lying on the ground in a village in Xichong county. — AFP photos doorsill in a village. self-styled doctor detained since last November when a 74-year-old Roka week, has admitted reusing needles and man tested positive at a local health syringes on different patients, centre for the virus. He was swiftly fol- China promises medical Battambang provincial police chief Sar lowed by his grand-daughter and son- Thet told AFP. in-law, according to the health ministry. “He has confessed to sometimes The infected villagers have accused care for HIV-positive boy reusing needles and syringes over the Chroeum of spreading the virus by past years,” said Thet, adding that the reusing contaminated needles on man, who is not thought to have under- patients including children and the eld- ‘Stigma and discrimination are our biggest enemies to end HIV’ taken formal medical training, “had the erly. An investigation into the outbreak intention to infect villagers with the HIV by the kingdom’s Ministry of Health, the BEIJING: Beijing has pledged to provide medical China’s health ministry has also pledged to con- published Friday. virus”. Last week health officials said a World Health Organization and UNAIDS treatment and a living allowance for an HIV-posi- duct spot checks around China to uncover any “But sadly, this week’s reports demonstrate total of 106 people may have been is under way. tive 8-year-old boy who was last week threat- other violations of anti-discrimination policies, that breaching confidentiality, ignorance and ened with expulsion from his village, state media the state-run paper reported. It was unclear yes- fear continue to have devastating consequences infected in Roka. They could not imme- Cambodia has been widely hailed for reported yesterday. In a case that sparked terday whether Kunkun still faces expulsion from for those living with HIV.” The child’s grandfather diately be reached for a new toll but the its efforts in tackling HIV/AIDS. The intense soul-searching in China, some 200 resi- the village, where he had been living under his and guardian, Luo Wenhui, told the Beijing News Pasteur Institute told The Phnom Penh National AIDS Authority says the rate of dents including the child’s own grandfather- grandfather’s care. on Saturday that he had signed the petition to Post newspaper Saturday that it had HIV infection among people aged 15 to signed a petition to expel him from their village The United Nations said that it was “deeply remove Kunkun because he “hoped that it would confirmed at least 119 cases in a third 49 has declined from 0.6 percent in in southwestern Sichuan province to “protect vil- concerned” about that case, which has prompt- make things better,” as he would receive better round of testing. 2013 to 0.4 percent in 2014. Currently, lagers’ health”. ed huge debate in China and highlighted the care elsewhere. The boy was reportedly referred Formal charges were pressed against Cambodia estimates more than 73,000 Beijing has now pledged to ensure the boy, stigma attached to the virus in a country where to as a “time bomb” by villagers worried about Chroeum at Battambang provincial people live with the disease. The coun- dubbed Kunkun in the media, gets an education sufferers face widespread discrimination. “Stigma being infected and local children shunned him. court yesterday. “He was charged with try is aiming for a zero-percent HIV/AIDS after reports he was having trouble finding a and discrimination are our biggest enemies in Reports said Kunkun was born HIV-positive school that would take him, the China Daily said. the fight to end HIV,” the UN said in a statement through transmission from his mother. — AFP three counts which include the inten- infection rate by 2020 — AFP Can the blood of Ebola survivors create a cure? CHICAGO: For months, Vanderbilt more human. “They may or may not University researcher Dr James Crowe work. We don’t know that yet,” Crowe has been desperately seeking access to said of ZMapp. The next-generation the blood of US Ebola survivors, hoping product Crowe is working on will be ful- to extract the proteins that helped them ly human, using antibodies generated overcome the deadly virus for use in by Ebola survivors, making it less likely new, potent drugs. His efforts finally to cause side effects. Mapp would not paid off in mid-November with a dona- comment about its drug development tion from Dr Rick Sacra, a University of plans. Massachusetts physician who contract- All of the antibodies generated in ed Ebola while working in Liberia. The this work will be tested against live donation puts Crowe at the forefront of Ebola virus samples in a high-security a new model for fighting the virus, now laboratory run by Dr Thomas Geisbert at responsible for the worst known out- the University of Texas Medical Branch break in West Africa that has killed near- in Galveston. Promising candidates will ly 7,000 people. be tested in mice and guinea pigs “They can take antibodies they find in before going to primates than then my blood and map them out,” Sacra said humans, a process that could take sev- in an interview. “They are looking for the eral months. ones that are most important in neutral- “We hope to have antibodies that are izing the virus.” Sacra, a medical mission- like ZMapp or better,” said Geisbert, who ary for Christian group SIM USA, said he has a $26 million grant from the made the blood donation with “no National Institutes of Health to study strings attached,” and does not stand to experimental Ebola treatments. A key gain financially if a product based on his production issue for ZMapp has been its INDIA: Part of farmland destroyed by asbestos is seen in Roro. antibodies reaches the market. slow method of growing antibodies in Crowe is working with privately-held the cells of tobacco plants. In October, drugmaker Mapp Biopharmaceutical Mapp started working with biotechnol- Forgotten asbestos mine Inc, which he said will manufacture the ogy company Amgen to mass produce antibodies for further testing under a ZMapp antibodies in mammalian cells, National Institutes of Health grant. a well established manufacturing Mapp is currently testing its own drug process. sickens Indian villagers ZMapp, a cocktail of three antibodies Crowe said the antibodies he is that has shown promise in treating a working on would be produced in both RORO VILLAGE: Asbestos waste spills in a gray handful of Ebola patients. Crowe’s hope cell lines and tobacco plants. Vanderbilt gash down the flank of a lush green hill above tribal is to improve on ZMapp by isolating the will license the most promising drug villages that are home to thousands in eastern human antibodies of actual survivors candidates, and at least four commer- India. Three decades after the mines were aban- and create a drug effective against all cial partners, including Mapp, are con- doned, nothing has been done to remove the enor- strains of Ebola. sidering whether to license them. mous, hazardous piles of broken rocks and powdery Several leading scientists have Crowe said he has also been in discus- dust left behind. In Roro Village and nearby settle- embraced the idea of using survivors’ sions with US health regulators about ments, people who never worked in the mines are antibodies as the most promising how to design clinical trials for drugs dying of lung disease. Yet in a country that treats approach in the fight against Ebola. developed from survivors’ antibodies. asbestos as a savior that provides cheap building Crowe is also part of a large consortium He estimates trials could begin in late materials for the poor, no one knows the true num- of academic and corporate partners spring or early summer of 2015. ber and few care to ask. working to develop and test human “I feel weak, drained all the time,” Baleman Sundi gasped, pushing the words out before she lost her antibodies from Ebola survivors treated Sample shortage breath. “But I must work.” The 65-year-old paused, at Emory University that is being assem- Crowe’s lab has been working on inhaled. “I don’t have a choice.” Another gasp. “I have bled by Department of Defense. The Ebola for the past two years. In that to eat.” Sundi and 17 others from a clutch of impov- push is part of the race to develop drugs time, he said he has spent “a tremen- erished villages near the abandoned hilltop mines to address the ongoing outbreak in dous amount of effort” trying to get were diagnosed in 2012 with asbestosis, a fatal lung Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. samples from Ebola survivors out of disease. One has since died. Tens of thousands Canada’s Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corp Africa. Obtaining the samples during more, some of them former mine workers, remain INDIA: Kalyan Bansingh, left, main plaintiff in a case suing the country’s environmental courts is also testing a treatment, while drug- the current outbreak has proved nearly untested and at risk. Asbestos makes up as much as for cleanup, compensation and a fund for future victims of an abandoned asbestos mine sits makers including GlaxoSmithKline Plc impossible, as governments in West 14.3 percent of the soil around Roro Village, analysis outside his home in Roro. — AP photos and Merck & Co, in partnership with Africa struggle to curb the virus and US of samples gathered by The Associated Press the last five years, India’s asbestos imports shot up doctors and activists to stay away from the waste. NewLink Genetics Corp, are working on authorities tighten restrictions around showed. Few have done anything to help people 300 percent. The government helps the $2 billion Many don’t believe the asbestos, which looks like vaccines. Last month, a group of promi- the transfer of highly infectious materi- such as Sundi. The villagers have no money for doc- asbestos manufacturing industry with low tariffs on regular rocks and dirt, could be dangerous. Others nent scientists including three Nobel als. tors or medical treatment, and cannot afford to imports. It has also blocked asbestos from being list- are more fatalistic, noting they hardly have a choice. laureates, urged the US government to As a result, Crowe and his peers in move. ed as a hazardous substance under the international accelerate the antibodies push, Reuters the field have been seeking out the Neither the government nor the Indian company Rotterdam Convention governing how dangerous Private companies reported. “We’ve moving night and day small number of US survivors who were that ran the mines from 1963 to 1983 has made any chemicals are handled. The country keeps no statis- “What can we do? This is our land,” said 56-year- around this,” Crowe said. treated in this country. Scarcity has move to clean up the estimated 700,000 tons of tics on how many people have been sickened or old Jema Sundi, diagnosed with asbestosis though asbestos tailings left scattered across several kilome- died from exposure to the mineral, which industry she never went into the mines. “We tell the children, made the Sacra donation all the sweet- ters (miles) of hilly mining area. The mine’s operator, and many government officials insist is safe when don’t go there. But they are children, you cannot con- Foreign invaders er for Crowe and Geisbert. Crowe Hyderabad Asbestos Cement Products Ltd, nowa- mixed with cement. trol them.” She then noticed her 4-year-old nephew Antibodies are immune-system pro- believes his luck turned when he men- days known as HIL Ltd., says it has done nothing ille- Western scientists strongly disagree. The World Vijay, his tiny body covered with chalky white streaks, teins that seek and destroy foreign tioned the problem to Dr Larry Zeitlin, gal. “The company had followed all rules and proce- Health Organization and more than 50 countries, shrinking into himself as if trying to disappear. “You invaders, such as viruses or bacteria. Mapp’s president. Zeitlin used his con- dures for closure of a mine and had complied with including the United States and all of Europe, say it went up there today again?” she exclaimed. Vijay, Crowe, who directs the Vaccine Center at nections with missionary organizations, the provisions of the law, as in force in 1983,” it said should be banned in all forms. Asbestos fibers lodge lowering his head, attempted a half-smile. When Vanderbilt, is working with Sacra’s B cells some of which have used ZMapp to in a statement released to the AP. in the lungs and cause many diseases. The Hyderabad Asbestos first began mining in Jharkhand - white blood cells that form antibodies. treat their infected staff, Crowe said. Sundi and the others are suing in the country’s International Labor Organization estimates 100,000 in 1963, India was in its second decade of independ- They will synthesize genes from the Soon after, Sacra volunteered. environmental court for cleanup, compensation and people die every year from workplace exposure, and ence and attempting to industrialize. Most services most potent of these antibodies, which While none of the experimental a fund for future victims of asbestos-related disease. experts believe thousands more die from exposure and industries were nationalized, but some heavy can be made into treatments. Drugs cre- Ebola treatments have been proven If they win, the case would set precedents for work- elsewhere. “My greatest concern is what will happen industries and mining were opened to private com- ated this way are called monoclonal effective in rigorous clinical trials, Sacra place safety and corporate liability, subjects often in India. It’s a slow-moving disaster, and this is only panies, many of which operated opaquely. antibodies, a manufactured protein that believes they played a significant role in ignored or dismissed in developing India. “There will the beginning,” said Philip Landrigan, a New York epi- Hydrabad Asbestos employed about 1,500 peo- attacks a specific target, in this case a his own recovery in September. He be justice only if we win,” Sundi rasped. “Whoever demiologist who heads the Rome-based Collegium ple in the asbestos mines. Most were tribal villagers receptor on the Ebola virus. received Tekmira’s TKM-Ebola and a did this must pay.” India placed a moratorium on Ramazzini, which pioneered the field of occupational eager to participate in the country’s development. The current version of ZMapp was plasma infusion from fellow survivor, asbestos mining in 1986, acknowledging that the health worldwide. But for them that development never arrived. Kalyan fibrous mineral was hazardous to the miners. developed in mouse blood cells that and medical missionary, Dr Kent Brantly, “The epidemic will go largely unrecognized,” he Bansingh, lead plaintiff in the court case, worked said. Eventually, “it’s going to end up costing India more than a decade building scaffolding inside new- were exposed to samples containing and said his condition improved imme- Hazardous substance billions of dollars.” From the top of Roro Hill, a small ly blasted mining caverns. Like many laborers across Ebola virus fragments from the 1995 diately. With a new lease on life, Sacra But that was the government’s last decision cur- boy leaped out to slide down the cascade of fluffy India, he took to chewing an unrefined sugar prod- Kikwik outbreak in the Democratic announced last week that he would tailing the spread of asbestos. It has since embraced grey dust. A few villagers followed, nudging a herd of uct called jaggery in the misguided belief that air- Republic of Congo. These cells were return to Liberia to continue his medical the mineral as a cheap building material. Today India cows and goats. Huge clouds billowed in their wake. borne fibers would adhere to the sticky bolus and genetically modified to make them work. — Reuters is the world’s fastest-growing market for asbestos. In The villagers often ignore the warnings from visiting stay out of his lungs. — AP TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE

KUALA LUMPUR: In this picture taken December 9, 2014, Bangladeshi KUALA LUMPUR: Alexandria Garvie from Australia looks at herself in a mir- KUALA LUMPUR: Alexandria Garvie from Australia poses following a tum- woman Nusrat Hussein Kiwan poses in front of the International Patients ror following a tummy-tuck operation at a private hospital. my-tuck operation. Centre reception area at a private hospital. — AFP photos Seeing the doctor, overseas: Medical tourism booms in Asia

KUALA LUMPUR: The lines snaking into Bangladesh’s Procedures vary widely from fertility treatments in care. Malaysia’s market has nearly doubled since 2010, formed at the Beverly Wilshire Medical Centre. The overwhelmed hospitals are often so long, says Nusrat Barbados, to cosmetic surgery in Brazil, heart and eye reaching 770,000 patients and $200 million in revenue company also recently opened a new branch near the Hussein Kiwan, that they extend into the street out- operations in Malaysia, and gender-reassignment in last year, according to government figures. border with Singapore to entice patients from the side-too many patients seeking too few quality doc- Thailand. “We are behind Thailand for sure, but we are giving more affluent city-state. Most medical tourists to tors. So, through a Google search, the wife of a Singapore a good fight,” said T Mahadevan, head of the Malaysia, however, are well-heeled visitors from less- Bangladeshi construction executive chose a Malaysian ‘Perfect storm’ Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia. Thailand developed Indonesia, followed by Indians, Japanese hospital for her heart bypass surgery. “It’s peaceful The sector benefits from a “perfect storm of an age- says it attracted 2.53 million medical tourists in 2012. and Chinese. Future growth is expected from the here, and my doctors are good,” Kiwan, 65, said during ing global population, rising affluence and greater Though its figures include spa tourists, that’s a one- wealthy Middle East. a post-op check-up at a Kuala Lumpur private hospital, choice in quality hospitals,” said Josef Woodman, CEO third increase in just two years, a period in which rev- looking full of life in an orange headscarf and sparkling of Patients Beyond Borders.”This is particularly true in enues nearly doubled to around $4.2 billion. In Sun and silicone gold bracelets. Asia, where disparities in quality of care are driving mil- Singapore, medical tourists spent $630 million last year, Ancillary businesses have sprouted. Beautiful “I didn’t expect to be as good as before. But I’m bet- lions of patients to countries such as Thailand, a figure likely inflated by the modern city-state’s rela- Holidays, based on the northern Malaysian island of ter.” Kiwan spent $20,000 on the procedure earlier this Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan-and even the US and UK- tively higher costs. Patients Penang, connects overseas clients with local cosmetic year, joining a booming global medical tourism market in search of medical treatment not yet available in their Beyond Borders estimates Singapore draws more surgeons, arranges their accommodations, and shep- that is seeing particularly rapid growth in Southeast homelands.” “The near-term growth potential is signifi- than a half-million treatment-seekers annually, mostly herds them to pre- and post-op check-ups. But it also Asia. US-based industry resource Patients Beyond cant,” he said. Increasingly, major Asian players like from neighboring Indonesia, where health systems arranges drinks, dining and sightseeing in Penang, Borders estimates the world market is expanding by 25 India, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are aggressive- lag.Malaysia set up a special body in 2009 to streamline know for its historical sites, beaches and cultural percent per year-it reached $55 billion with 11 million ly promoting treatments at up to 80 percent savings and organize industry players.Patients Without Borders melange. “The idea is to have people come here for medical tourists in 2013. International medical tourism compared to developed nations, with some companies calls Malaysia “medical travel’s best-kept secret”, noting holidays-sun and silicone, that kind of thing,” said Tony began to gain ground in the 1980s as Latin arranging package trips that combine a nose job with a the widely spoken fluent English and far cheaper med- Leong, the company’s program director. Ashley American countries such as Costa Rica and Brazil little beach time. ical costs compared to Japan, the United States, Europe Higgins, a 30-year-old American, has used the compa- offered relatively cheap dental, cosmetic and other Southeast Asia, in particular, is considered a med- and other key clientele sources. “I would come back ny twice, first for a breast augmentation, then a nose procedures to US and European patients driven south ical-tourism “sweet spot,” with decades of solid eco- here again. I would definitely recommend it,” job.She was initially wary of going under the knife on by high costs. But the onetime niche market has devel- nomic growth creating high-quality medical systems Alexandria Garvie, 61, said from her hospital bed in the other side of the globe, but price concerns won oped into a multi-billion-dollar industry as developing- that remain competitively priced. Patients come from Kuala Lumpur after a tummy tuck. out.”The hard part is trusting people when you are world health systems improve, global aviation links both rich and poor nations, the former driven by high The $5,000 procedure-around one-quarter of what 1,000 miles from home. I felt comfortable coming here,” spread, and the Internet broadens patients’ horizons. costs at home, and the latter seeking better-quality she would have paid at home in Australia-was per- she said. — AFP China punishes hospital for Germany to step up bird flu operating room photos BEIJING: Chinese health authorities put a hospital president on probation and fired three other supervisors fol- testing after new cases discovered lowing public outrage over photos posted online of smil- ing medical staff posing with patients in the middle of HAMBURG: Germany announced Yesterday compulsory surgery. The photos were taken in August at privately testing of ducks and geese for bird flu before slaughtering owned Fengcheng Hospital in the north-central city of after two more cases of the H5N8 strain of the disease were Xi’an and leaked on social media over the weekend. discovered, the country’s agriculture ministry said. A new Online commentators criticized medical staff for being regulation forcing all ducks and geese to be tested for bird flu unprofessional and disrespectful of patients, while oth- before slaughter under urgent approval procedures, a miners defended the photos, saying they were intended to istry spokesperson said. It is set to take force today, she said. be private and were taken at the end of surgical proce- This is because ducks and geese show late or even no clin- dures. ical symptoms of the disease and intensified monitoring is Tensions have run high between health workers and needed, she said. The move follows the confirmation on patients in China. Patients often complain about poor Saturday of another case of H5N8 bird flu on a farm in the medical services and high costs, especially the need to German state of Lower Saxony, a leading poultry production bribe doctors and nurses in exchange for competent region. services. Chinese health workers say they are over- Another H5N8 case was confirmed in a wild duck in the worked, underpaid and underappreciated. eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, bringing to five the number The Xi’an Bureau of Public Health, which handed of reported cases in the country since November. Germany, out the punishment, said in a statement Sunday that the the Netherlands, Britain and Italy have been since November staff at Fengcheng took the photos to memorialize the been hit by the H5N8 bird flu strain which has devastated operating room, which was to be relocated. poultry flocks in Asia, mainly South Korea, earlier this year but Nevertheless, the bureau said the picture-snapping vio- lated proper medical procedures and had a negative has never been detected in humans. social impact. It requested everyone involved in the pho- More humane free range poultry farming methods intro- to scandal to offer “deep” self criticisms. The bureau also duced in recent years have increased the risk that farm poul- put the hospital president on probation for one year and try can contract diseases from wild birds. The first H5N8 case fired a deputy president, the head nurse and the person in Germany was confirmed on Nov 4 on a poultry farm in in charge of anesthetics. The bureau also demanded that GERMANY: Picture taken on December 16, 2014 shows laboratory assistant Sabrina Dewald holding samples from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in east Germany. Britain on the hospital issue an open apology and rectify its man- animals of a poultry farm in front of an analytical apparatus at Lower Saxony’s state office for consumer protection Sunday lifted restrictions around a duck farm in northern agement to avoid similar incidents in the future.—AP and food safety. England where the disease had been discovered. —Reuters WHAT’S ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 Dow Marine Conservation Program organizes beach clean-ups

he Dow Chemical Company, in partnership with the en.v Initiative (en.v) and Timplementing partner the Kuwait Society for Protection of Animals and Their Habitat (K’S PATH), launched the annual Dow Marine Conservation Program (DMCP) with the first series of beach clean-ups of the season, on November 14 and December5 at Sulaibikhat Beach. Representatives from Dow Chemical Kuwait, en.v representative, K’S PATH staff, along with a number of volunteers from across different groups and organizations, took part in these latest clean-up efforts. Over a period of two hours, volunteers cleared up terrestrial marine waste from across an 8000 square meter stretch of shoreline at Sulaibikhat Beach. The inaugural clean-up of the season engaged the efforts of 42 volunteers, including students from Al-Bayan Bilingual School (BBS) and members of AUKause (an American University of Kuwait club), who collected approximately 448 kilograms of terrestrial marine waste, filling up 56 large trash bags. The second clean-up included a total of 26 volunteers, including students from the Universal American School and members of the Kuwait Red Crescent, who managed to clear up approximately 472 kilograms of of waste from Kuwait’s beaches over the past 3 Mangrove Beach, which has resulted in the tion movement in Kuwait. Our goal has always ed by a site survey and trial clean up, conduct- waste, filling up 59 large trash bags. years, helps validate the need for such a pro- clearing up of more than 14 tonnes of terres- been to encourage long-term, sustainable ed on October 31. “The Dow Marine Conversation Program is gram and we are pleased to have been able to trial marine waste from the beach. In 2013 environmental change in the country, helping The DMCP’s outreach efforts have edu- an excellent example of how cooperation, play a role.” alone, the DMCP held eight clean-ups at to foster a national sense of environmental catedal most 650 students and adults through between businesses and responsible citizens, Introduced in 2011, the DMCP initiative Sulaibikhat, engaging a total of 325 volunteers consciousness. Over the past few years, we various interactive presentations, and engaged can help make a difference to our environ- promotes the protection of fragile marine from 12 different volunteer groups, embassies have seen tremendous results, and we are opti- a total of 1,500 members of the public during ment,” said Jamel Attal, managing director, habitats in Kuwait such as Sulaibikhat beach, and educational institutions, and cleaning up mistic that our efforts this year will prove just its 2013 Summer Awareness Campaign, which Dow Kuwait. “As a company with a global com- lovingly dubbed the Mangrove Beach by vol- close to4912 kilograms (almost five tonnes) of as fruitful.” was held in key commercial centers around mitment to preserving our planet and promot- unteers. The program carries out its work waste. Fresh volunteers who were taking part in Kuwait. The DMCP was also bestowed with the ing sustainable practices, it was only fitting for through sustained beach clean-ups, educa- Zahed Sultan, Managing Director at the en.v the program for the first time, underwent a “Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of us to support this initiative to help conserve tional outreach activities and volunteer Initiative, said: “Now more than ever, the DMCP training session ahead of the clean-ups with an the Year Award” at the Middle East Oil and Gas Kuwait’s valuable coastal habitats and marine engagements. Since April 2011, the DMCP has is committed to carry out its mission of spear- educational presentation on leadership and Awards 2013, in recognition of the program’s ecosystems. Its success so far, in clearing tons conducted a total of 55 clean-ups at the heading the marine environmental conserva- volunteering. The clean-ups were also preced- efforts and accomplishments.

SABECO hosted La Masiya Football Academy members recently at its restaurants, which include Abou Jassem, Sandawicha, JJ’s and Meywa.

IEI Family Day at Green Farm FOSTALGIA 2014 family get-together House, Wafra conducted by FOSA Kuwait he Institution of Engineers (India), Kuwait Chapter is pleased to inform you all that IEI Family Day will be uwait Chapter of FOSA (Farook College Old Students’ token of appreciation of her contributions in the field of ences. The program was filled with games, quizzes, cultural celebrated on 26th December 2014 Green Farm T Association) held a family get-together “FOSTALGIA education. performances by kids, music etc. House, Wafra. This long day event shall be started at 2014” on December 12,2014,at Kuwait Medical During the function, FOSA honored its member P.P A team of FOSA, consisting Mohammed Rafi, Riyas 8.30am with Yoga Class. This Family Get together event will K Association Hall, Jabriya. The function started with recita- Junoob with an Excellency Award for his performance in Ahamed, Ahmed Koya KV, Basheer Batha, Imtiaz CEV, be filled with the Group Games, Bingo, Talent Shows, tion of holy Qur’an by Basit Ashraf, and was presided over the field of Journalism, a memento was presented to him Rameez, Mohamed TV, Ashraf Mohammed, Ashraf Moosa, Songs, Music and Creative Works, Group Dance, Bonfire etc. by Mohammed Rafi, President of FOSA Kuwait. Riyas by K.V. Ahmed koya, Ex-president of Fosa Kuwait chapter. Subair MM, Haneef Mohammed, Kabeer and Kamal Attractive prizes will be distributed to the winners of the Ahmed, General Secretary welcomed the gathering. Anoop an old student of Farook College from Dubai also Koshani controlled the entire program. each games and events. It is the day with full of fun and The chief guest of the function Laila Yousuf AlSaqar, a attended the function as a guest. Ashraf Mohamed, Treasurer of FOSA thanked each and enjoyment for entire family members and Guests. well-known business person in Kuwait and who extended It was a wonderful gathering of different generations of every member of FOSA for organizing such a wonderful financial support for the various projects for the develop- Farook College alumni who are working in different fields program. He also extended his gratitude to the program ment of Farook College, made the felicitation speech. Fosa in Kuwait, which started with a buffet lunch. This unique sponsors, QualityNet, Gulf Bank, Al-Sayar Group and TIES CENTER Kuwait chapter honored her by presenting a memento as family get-together gave the people a variety of experi- Geepas electronics. The Effects of Food Additives on the Body and Mind by Dr Kamel Al-Farraj What are the effects of addictive chemicals in food? Why do food companies add so many chemicals? Why is fast food bad for you? What do neuroexyto toxins do to your food and to your brain? Dr Kamel will answer all these questions and many more. Today, December 23 @ 7pm

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All photos submitted for What’s On should be minimum 200dpi. Articles must be in plain text and should include name and phone numbers. Articles and photos that fail to meet these requirements will not be published. Please send them to [email protected] WHAT’S ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

Relax, Renew and Ring in 2015 at Marina Hotel Kuwait

rom a New Year’s Eve reception and dinner to a rejuvenating twinkling lights and the cool breeze of the Arabian coast. signature dishes as well as desserts prepared by a team of culinary What better way than to start the first day of the year with accommodation package, Marina Hotel Kuwait is offering The hotel has fabulous feasts lined up with mouth-watering experts. your loved ones through a delectable selection of special treats Funique experiences for guests to welcome 2015.When menus and special entertainment to make your yearend unfor- After a night of celebration, indulge in a deserving year-end and surprises for the entire family at a delightful international guests choose to ring in the New Year at Marina Hotel, they will gettable. Guests can celebrate the end of 2014 in style at the Six getaway with a host of privileges that include a New Year room lunch buffet at the Atlantis restaurant. Delight yourself in a lavish have more to celebrate than the passing of another year. The Palms Restaurant or the Atlantis Restaurant with a magnificent package of one night stay starting from KD 170 inclusive of buffet experience and visit Marina Hotel Kuwait for the fun and festivi- Hotel offers the perfect venue for New Year’s Eve and New Year international buffet dinner at bothrestaurants. Stimulate your breakfast and buffet dinner at the Six Palms restaurant or Atlantis ties. For more information, please visit our website: www.marina- celebrations with your family, friends and loved ones under the appetite with a mouth-watering assortment of appetizers, soups, restaurant for two persons. hotel.com Viswakarma organization celebrates Viswakala-2014

iswakarma Organization for Ideal Career and tion speeches on the occasion. Senior organization Education (VOICE KUWAIT) celebrated its 10th members Haridasan Mookambika and Keloth Vijayan VAnniversary “VISWAKALA-2014” at Carmel were felicitated in the event. Gold Medals were dis- school Auditorium Khaitan.The function was inaugu- tributed to the students who made outstanding per- rated by lighting the lamp by Baluchandran. This was formance in SSLC & Higher Secondary exams. Folk followed by welcome address by Baiju Vijayan dance competition were conducted among the (General convener). Voice Kuwait president PG Binu Indian schools in Kuwait and Integrated Indian made presidential speech, General secretary Chandra School won the First Prize. Musical nite was conduct- Mohanan read the annual report for 2014. Vargheese ed by the popular idea star singers Jins Gopinath and Puthukulangara, Siddeeque Valiyakath, Sasi Kattoor Deepthi Valsan. Danseur Anu Ashok also gave her (VSV Baharain, General Secretary), Surendran performance. The program was beautifully compered Mathoor (patron, Voice Kuwait) and VK Bhargavi by Manoj Mavelikkara. Treasurer voice Kuwait, (Rtd.RDO & sub divisional Magistrate) made felicita- Raghunathan Achari proposed the vote of thanks. ACK team placed in top 3 Celebrate the festive season with during regional competition Sheraton & Four Points Kuwait

nder the patronage of HH the ning teams were awarded for their out- placed in the top 3 for Best Product of the s we countdown the 2014 year, Sheraton Kuwait, A Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al standing achievements. INJAZ Young Year and the Best Company of the Year Luxury Collection Hotel and Four Points by UJaber Al Sabah, and in the pres- Arab Entrepreneurs Competition was categories. The competition was judged ASheraton Kuwait families wish the beautiful Kuwait ence of honorary guest, His Excellency, launched in 2007 and is attended yearly by two prestigious judging panels. and its people happy holidays and a prosperous New Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak by national competition winners from Student companies were assessed on Year. Throughout this time the hotels have been exten- their ability to demonstrate sound busi- sively preparing for a stunning Season and New Years Eve ness insight, financial knowledge, market- dining experience, inviting all our distinguished guests to ing support and feasibility studies. In addi- join us in making the occasion most memorable and start tion, competing students were required to spend one day showcasing their prod- the new year with the most delicious cuisine. ucts, presenting to the public, and hold- Indulge in any of the specialty restaurants located with- ing a private question and answer session in the elegant and enchanting hotel walls in Kuwait city or with the judging panel in order to present one of the largest malls in the region, the Avenues. their business in its entirety. Experience a trip around the world with the international Professor Jehad Yasin, Head of School cuisine of Al Hambra; explore the piquant and exotic of Business at ACK, commented: “For the Indian palate at Bukhara, savor the delicious haven of second consecutive time our “Skraab” authentic Lebanese at Le Tarbouche, treasure the most team participated and succeeded by representing Kuwait in this prestigious com- exquisite Iranian cuisine at Shahrayar, captivate your taste petition. We are very proud of our stu- buds whilst in the most tranquil atmosphere with mar- dents. This demonstrates excellence and velous English Tea and snacks at the English Tea Lounge. dedication, as well as their desire to Treat yourselves, family, and friends to the first fine dining always aim high. I personally would like to Italian restaurant in Kuwait, where you are able to enjoy thank Ms. Johanne Flynn, their instructor, the most bona fide delicacies of Italy hidden behind the Al-Sabah Minister of State for Cabinet countries across the region. This year’s for all the efforts and support provided, as most lavish and elegant marble filled walls of the first five Affairs, INJAZ Al Arab announced the suc- competition was the culmination of 18 well as her leadership and persistence star hotel in Kuwait, Sheraton Kuwait. most laid back trip across the globe with Asseef offering cessful conclusion of the 8th annual teams from 13 different countries; namely which led to this success and we look for- For those looking to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the Young Entrepreneurs 2014 Regional Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, Kuwait, ward to participate in next year’s version.” the most delicious international cuisine or treat your- Competition. The event was concluded Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi The ACK Family would like to congratulate most comfortable, casual, down to earth holiday season selves to the most feel good treat of all; pizza, prepared with a prestigious awards ceremony held Arabia, Tunisia, UAE and Yemen. the “Skraab” team for once again success- and start to the New Year, the Four Points by Sheraton by our specialty pizza chef in the most modern pizza oven at the Kuwait Regency Hotel, where win- Representing Kuwait, ACK students fully representing Kuwait and the College. Kuwait has the perfect choices for you. Indulge in the only found at La Mamma Pizzeria.

The Jordanian community in Kuwait hosted a dinner banquet in Julai’ah in honor of Speaker of the Jordanian Senate Dr Abdur-Rauf Rawabdeh, who visited Kuwait recently. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat TV PROGRAMS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

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Garvin 06:00 Britain’s Underworld 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 05:30 Reza, Spice Prince Of India 07:00 Tigers Of The Snow 08:30 Storage Hunters 05:50 Siba’s Table 08:00 Predator CSI 08:55 Container Wars 06:10 Sweet Genius 09:00 Engineering Connections 09:20 Garage Gold 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 10:00 Situation Critical 11:00 Megacities 09:45 How It’s Made 07:25 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 00:30 Big Bash League T20 01:25 The Wrath Of God-18 12:00 Knights Of Mayhem 10:10 How It’s Made 07:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Highlights 03:15 Northern Pursuit-PG 13:00 Family Guns 10:35 Gold Rush 08:15 Chopped 01:30 ICC Cricket 360 04:50 Tribute To A Bad Man-PG 14:00 Wild Untamed Brazil 11:25 Gold Rush 09:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 02:00 Bangladesh v Zimbabwe ODI 07:00 Spinout-FAM 15:00 The Known Universe 12:15 Alaskan Bush People Basics Highlights 08:35 Seven Brides For Seven 16:00 Chasing UFOs 13:05 Storage Hunters 09:30 Chopped Canada 03:00 Bangladesh v Zimbabwe ODI Brothers-FAM 17:00 Salvage Code Red 13:30 Container Wars 10:20 Recipes That Rock Highlights 10:15 The Merry Widow-FAM 18:00 Master Of Disaster 13:55 Garage Gold 10:45 All You Can Meat 04:00 Bangladesh v Zimbabwe ODI 12:00 Challenge To Lassie-FAM 19:00 The Known Universe 14:20 Robson Green’s Extreme 11:10 Roadtrip With G. Garvin Highlights 13:15 Texas Carnival-FAM 20:00 Access 360 World Heritage Fishing Challenge 11:35 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 05:00 Bangladesh v Zimbabwe ODI 14:35 Seven Women-PG 21:00 Salvage Code Red 15:10 Wheeler Dealers 12:00 Chopped Highlights 16:00 Casablanca-FAM 22:00 Master Of Disaster 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 12:50 Siba’s Table 06:00 Bangladesh v Zimbabwe ODI 17:45 The Unsinkable Molly Brown- 23:00 Megacities 16:50 How It’s Made 13:15 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco Highlights FAM 17:15 How It’s Made 13:40 Mystery Diners 07:00 ICC Cricket 360 19:55 Mr. Skeffington-FAM 17:40 Treehouse Masters 14:05 Guy’s Grocery Games 07:30 LG ICC Awards 2014 22:00 The Last Run 18:30 Deadly Islands 14:55 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 08:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 23:35 The Big Sleep-PG 19:20 Manhunt 15:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 09:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 15:45 Amazing Wedding Cakes 20:10 Container Wars 00:00 Mystery Girls 09:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 16:35 Chopped 20:35 Garage Gold 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 10:00 Big Bash League T20 17:25 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 21:00 Get Out Alive With Bear Stewart Highlights 17:50 Guy’s Big Bite 00:00 Pawn Stars Grylls 01:00 The Colbert Report 11:00 Live Big Bash League T20 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 02:00 Christmas Specials 21:50 Deadly Islands 01:30 Saturday Night Live 14:30 ICC Cricket 360 18:40 Siba’s Table 03:00 Pawn Stars 22:40 Manhunt 02:30 Mixology 15:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 19:05 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 07:00 Christmas Specials 23:30 Get Out Alive With Bear 03:00 Raising Hope 15:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 19:30 Mystery Diners 08:00 American Restoration Grylls 03:30 The Goldbergs 16:00 Big Bash League T20 19:55 Burger Land 23:30 Christmas Specials 04:00 Growing Up Fisher Highlights 20:20 Guy’s Grocery Games 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 17:00 Big Bash League T20 21:10 Amazing Wedding Cakes Jimmy Fallon 20:30 ICC Cricket 360 22:00 Reza’s African Kitchen 05:30 Better Off Ted 21:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 22:25 Reza’s African Kitchen 06:00 Til Death 21:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 22:50 Ching’s Restaurant 06:30 My Name Is Earl 22:00 Big Bash League T20 Redemption 00:45 The Face UK 00:00 Giuliana & Bill 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers Highlights 23:15 Ching’s Restaurant 01:35 Return To Amish 00:55 The Soup 08:00 Growing Up Fisher RED DAWN ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION 23:00 ICC Cricket 360 Redemption 02:25 I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant 01:25 Keeping Up With The 08:30 Better Off Ted 23:30 LG ICC Awards 2014 23:40 Burger Land 10:00 The Music Never Stopped- 02:50 Body Bizarre Kardashians 09:00 Raising Hope 03:00 Supernatural 14:00 Bean-PG15 PG15 03:40 Long Island Medium 02:20 E! 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News 10:00 Emmerdale 05:55 Melissa & Joey 19:35 Big Star’s Little Star 11:00 Reviving Ophelia-PG15 20:35 Cake Boss 23:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The 10:30 Coronation Street 06:30 Dirt 20:30 Murdoch Mysteries 00:00 Rake 12:45 Mud-PG15 21:00 Medical Anomalies Hamptons 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 07:30 The Walking Dead 21:25 Murdoch Mysteries 01:00 Outlander 15:00 Blancanieves-PG15 21:50 Too Ugly For Love 12:00 Castle 08:30 Castle 17:00 Not Without My Daughter- 22:40 Long Island Medium 13:00 Witches Of East End 01:30 Top 14 Highlights 09:30 According To Jim PG15 14:00 24 02:00 Ryder Cup Official Film 10:00 Grey’s Anatomy 23:05 Body Bizarre 19:00 Dangerous Minds-PG15 15:00 Live Good Morning America 03:30 WWE This Week 11:00 According To Jim 23:55 Hoarding: Buried Alive 21:00 The Perks Of Being A 17:00 Castle Wallflower-PG15 18:00 Witches Of East End 23:00 Being Flynn-18 19:00 24 20:00 Burn Notice 21:00 Franklin & Bash 22:00 Grimm 23:00 The Knick 01:00 World War Z-PG15 03:00 Standing Ovation-PG15 05:00 In A World...-PG15 07:00 There Be Dragons-PG15 00:00 Daylight 09:00 R.I.P.D.-PG15 02:00 Deja Vu 10:45 Captain Phillips-PG15 04:15 Maximum Conviction 13:00 No Clue-PG15 06:00 Marvel’s Hulk vs. Thor & 14:45 Almost Christmas-PG15 Wolverine 16:45 R.I.P.D.-PG15 08:00 Stolen 18:45 The Butler-PG15 10:00 Red Dawn 21:00 A Family Reunion-PG15 12:00 Maximum Conviction 23:00 The East-18 14:00 Daylight 16:00 Stolen 18:00 Red Dawn 19:45 Jack Reacher 01:00 Tony Hawk: Boom Boom 22:00 Walking Tall Sabotage 02:45 A Cat In Paris 04:15 Planet 51 06:00 Patoruzito 08:00 Twigson 10:00 Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears A 00:00 Deja Vu-PG15 Who 02:15 Maximum Conviction-PG15 11:30 Barbie As Rapunzel 04:00 Marvel’s Hulk vs. Thor & 13:00 A Cat In Paris Wolverine-PG 14:15 Back To The Sea 06:00 Stolen-PG15 16:00 Scooby-Doo! 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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

ACCOMMODATION Kuwait C/A room available from KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (18/12/2014 TO 24/12/2014) Jan 25, 2015 for a decent couple or single ladyes in in Farwaniya beside Kabayan SHARQIA-1 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 2:15 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES -3D 5:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM:SECRET OF THE TOMB 7:45 PM supermarket for Filipinos THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 12:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 4:15 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 8:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM:SECRET OF THE TOMB 9:45 PM only. Call 66152130. THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 3:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 6:15 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 11:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM:SECRET OF THE TOMB 11:45 PM 22-12-2104 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 6:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 8:15 PM P.K -HINDI 12:30 PM Room for rent in C-A/C flat THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 9:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 10:30 PM P.K -HINDI 3:30 PM BAIRAQ-2 from 25 Dec 2014 for cou- THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 12:05 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:45 AM P.K -HINDI 6:30 PM P.K -HINDI 1:00 PM ple, airport road Khaitan. P.K -HINDI 9:30 PM DECOR (Arabic) 1:00 PM Contact: 66253647. SHARQIA-2 FANAR-3 P.K -HINDI 12:30 AM DECOR (Arabic) 4:00 PM (C 4889) NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:15 PM DECOR (Arabic) 11:30 AM P.K -HINDI 6:30 PM 17-12-2014 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 2:15 PM DECOR (Arabic) 2:00 PM 360º- 1 DECOR (Arabic) 6:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 4:30 PM DECOR (Arabic) 4:30 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES -3D 11:30 AM DECOR (Arabic) 9:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 6:30 PM DECOR (Arabic) 7:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 2:30 PM DECOR (Arabic) 12:00 AM CHANGE OF NAME NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 8:30 PM DECOR (Arabic) 9:30 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES -3D 5:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 10:30 PM DECOR (Arabic) 12:05 AM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 8:30 PM BAIRAQ-3 I, Utukuru Rama Gubbaiah, NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:30 AM P.K -HINDI 8:30 PM MONTANA 12:00 PM holder of Indian Passport No. J2020031 hereby MARINA-1 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 11:30 PM HOME 2:15 PM SHARQIA-3 HOME 11:45 AM changed changed my THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 4:00 PM name to Utukuru Rama HOME 12:30 PM HOME 1:45 PM 360º- 2 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 7:00 PM HOME 2:30 PM HOME 3:30 PM THE GOOD LIE 1:30 PM Subba Reddy. Upparapalli MONTANA 10:00 PM DECOR (Arabic) 4:15 PM DECOR (Arabic) 5:15 PM THE GOOD LIE 4:00 PM Konduru Penagalur, HOME 12:15 AM P.K -HINDI 6:45 PM DECOR (Arabic) 7:45 PM THE GOOD LIE 6:30 PM Kadapa, A.P. (C 4891) DECOR (Arabic) 6:45 PM DECOR (Arabic) 10:15 PM THE GOOD LIE 9:00 PM 22-12-2014 PLAZA DECOR (Arabic) 9:45 PM HOME 12:45 AM THE GOOD LIE 11:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 3:30 PM I, A. Sahaya Newton, son HOME 12:15 AM of Thiru Augustine, born on MARINA-2 360º- 3 P.K -HINDI 5:30 PM DECOR (Arabic) 5:30 PM 24th February 1980 (native MUHALAB-1 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:00 PM MONTANA 1:15 PM district: Tirunelveli), resid- HOME 11:45 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 2:00 PM MONTANA 3:30 PM DECOR (Arabic) 8:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 11:00 PM ing at old No.40, New No.6- HOME 1:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 4:00 PM MONTANA 5:45 PM 40, Thilagar Street, HOME 3:30 PM PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 4:00 PM MONTANA 8:00 PM Perunkudi, Kavalkinaru, LAILA P.K -HINDI 5:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 6:00 PM MONTANA 10:15 PM Tirunelveli-627105, shall DECOR (Arabic) 5:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 8:00 PM MONTANA 12:30 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 4:00 PM henceforth be know as A. DECOR (Arabic) 8:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 10:00 PM DECOR (Arabic) 6:00 PM MARIA SAHAYA NEWTON. DECOR (Arabic) 10:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:05 AM AL-KOUT.1 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 8:30 PM 18-12-2014 HOME 1:15 AM THE GOOD LIE 11:30 AM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 10:30 PM MARINA-3 THE GOOD LIE 1:45 PM MUHALAB-2 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 11:30 AM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES -3D 4:00 PM AJIAL.1 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 11:30 AM MONTANA 2:15 PM THE GOOD LIE 6:45 PM LINGAA - TAMIL 3:15 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 2:15 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES -3D 4:30 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 9:00 PM LINGAA - TAMIL 6:30 PM MONTANA 5:00 PM MONTANA 7:15 PM THE GOOD LIE 12:05 AM LINGAA - TAMIL 9:45 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 7:15 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 9:30 PM MONTANA 10:00 PM MONTANA 12:15 AM AL-KOUT.2 AJIAL.2 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 12:15 AM MONTANA 11:30 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 3:30 PM AVENUES-1 FOXCATCHER 1:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 5:45 PM MUHALAB-3 HOME 1:15 PM FOXCATCHER 4:30 PM DECOR (Arabic) 8:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 11:45 AM HOME 3:15 PM MONTANA 7:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 10:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 1:45 PM HOME 5:15 PM FOXCATCHER 9:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 3:45 PM HOME 7:15 PM MONTANA 12:15 AM AJIAL.3 Prayer timings NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 5:45 PM HOME 9:15 PM ACTION JACKSON-HINDI 3:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 7:45 PM HOME 11:15 PM AL-KOUT.3 ACTION JACKSON-HINDI 6:00 PM Fajr: 05:14 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 9:45 PM HOME 1:15 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:15 PM ACTION JACKSON-HINDI 9:00 PM Shorook 06:39 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 11:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 2:15 PM P.K -HINDI 3:00 PM AVENUES-2 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 4:15 PM P.K -HINDI 6:00 PM Duhr: 11:47 FANAR-1 THE GOOD LIE 12:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 6:15 PM P.K -HINDI 9:00 PM FOXCATCHER 11:45 AM THE GOOD LIE 2:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 8:30 PM Asr: 14:37 THE GOOD LIE 2:30 PM THE GOOD LIE 5:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 10:30 PM AJIAL.4 Maghrib: 16:55 FOXCATCHER 4:45 PM THE GOOD LIE 7:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:30 AM LINGAA - TAMIL 3:45 PM THE GOOD LIE 7:30 PM THE GOOD LIE 10:00 PM Isha: 18:17 IYOBINTE PUSTAKAM- Malayalam 7:00 PM FOXCATCHER 9:45 PM THE GOOD LIE 12:45 AM BAIRAQ-1 LINGAA - TAMIL 10:00 PM FOXCATCHER 12:30 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 11:45 AM P.K -HINDI 4:00 PM AVENUES-3 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM:SECRET OF THE TOMB 1:45 PM FANAR-2 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES -3D 11:30 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM:SECRET OF THE TOMB 3:45 PM P.K -HINDI 7:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:15 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 2:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM:SECRET OF THE TOMB 5:45 PM P.K -HINDI 10:00 PM 112

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

Arrival Flights on Tuesday 23/12/2014 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 Departure Flights on Tuesday 23/12/2014 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 Airlines Flt Route Time FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 BBC 043 Dhaka 00:05 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 PIA 206 Lahore 00:40 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 KAC 284 Dhaka 15:15 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 00:40 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 BBC 044 Dhaka 01:35 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 KLM 411 Amsterdam 01:55 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 NIA 251 Alexandria 16:15 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:15 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 KAC 283 Dhaka 02:25 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 QTR 1048 Doha 01:00 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 JZR 552 Alexandria 16:10 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 KAC 741 Dammam 17:00 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 KAC 381 Delhi 03:40 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 UAL 982 IAD 17:55 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 NIA 252 Alexandria 17:15 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 RJA 648 Amman 03:05 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 TAR 328 Tunis/Dubai 18:05 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 OMA 644 Muscat 04:15 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 OMA 643 Muscat 03:25 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 ICV 673 MXP 04:00 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 SYR 341 Damascus 18:55 ICV 673 MXP 05:45 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 THY 6776 Istanbul 05:05 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 TAR 328 Tunis 18:55 JZR 503 Luxor 05:25 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 AXB 393 Kozhikode 19:15 THY 6776 Dubai 06:35 UAL 982 Bahrain 19:15 TZS 170 Bahrain 05:40 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 BAW 157 London 06:40 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 RJA 649 Amman 07:05 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 KAC 416 Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 06:45 KAC 678 Muscat/Abu Dhabi 19:25 JZR 560 Sohag 07:10 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 SYR 342 Damascus 19:55 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:40 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 KAC 104 London 19:55 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 AXB 393 Kozhikode 20:15 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:55 KAC 742 Dammam 20:00 BAW 156 London 08:45 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:05 KAC 513 Tehran 08:55 KAC 343 Chennai 20:55 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:55 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:30 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 MSR 607 Luxor 21:05 ETH 3718 LGG 20:45 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 DLH 636 Frankfurt 20:50 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 KAC 101 London/New York 09:50 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 DLH 636 Dammam 21:35 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 TZS 171 Bahrain 21:50 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 IRA 675 Lar 10:40 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:15 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 KLM 415 Amsterdam 22:15 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 IRA 674 Lar 11:40 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 AIC 981 Chennai/Hyderabad/Ahmedabad 22:30 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 KAC 514 Tehran 13:10 PIA 239 Sialkot 22:35 KAC 677 Abu Dhabi/Muscat 12:20 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 KAC 382 Delhi 13:45 UAL 981 Bahrain 23:10 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 JZR 561 Sohag 13:45 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 KLM 415 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:15 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 JZR 553 Alexandria 23:25 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:30 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 PIA 240 Sialkot 23:35 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 FDB 060 Dubai 23:55 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

CROSSWORD 763 STAR TRACK

Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22)

You may find a physical move or some other type of major change is You may have to use a great deal of diplomacy around others. There being discussed today. This may mean that higher-ups in your work- may be some problems with a negotiation, but the event will end place are looking for a place to relocate the company. You will ponder many questions positively. You would just love to be out and about and enjoying the company of by analysis and deep, penetrating thoughts. This could all be temporary if the compa- your friends. Unfortunately, however, you may find yourself working inside four ny building is in need of being refurbished. You could be asked to do some location walls. This time will pass-patience. It may be a good time to think about the voca- research at this time. Putting yourself in a position to gather and share more informa- tional or career decisions you will want to change. This afternoon you look for a tion seems most important to you at this time. Many obstacles and responsibilities are belated gift or two that expresses your gratefulness. Home is likely to be a very about to dissolve. Someone close to you may come to you for your psychological per- nice place this evening! This is a great time to spend with loved ones and family. ceptiveness and comprehension. Expressing your insights through poetry or song Nostalgia and domesticity could begin emphasizing a need for security and a becomes impressive. sense of roots.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Watch out-an independent streak seems to be surfacing at this time. Your humor may be overshadowed, but only by your rather eccentric Others will admire your unique and rather unusual way of perceiving things. Your behavior for now. Your independence and unique qualities are appreci- sense of humor simply shines and added to your rather eccentric behavior, should set ated by those around you. This should all give you some new ways of looking at you apart from the crowd. You find the benefits from new insights into your living sit- things. Feel free to allow yourself to dream occasionally. Since you will not find these uation or life conditions. Your friends or associates may come to you for help today as days coming too often, you should not ignore the opportunity to let your imagina- you have advanced teaching qualities and can patiently instruct those that have a tion loose. Maybe a good book or movie will take on that more than real dimension. hard time understanding some code or technique. This should all go rather smoothly. Even if your friends do not see eye to eye on your unrealistic, dreamy mood, do not Your more reserved qualities may make others wonder what you have been up to allow that to stop you from exploring the many possibilities that this could bring you. lately-as you are not always so quiet. Keeping people guessing is a fun pastime for A plot for a play is available. Tonight you work on a new look with regard to hair or now. clothes style.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You may be feeling very good about yourself just now and appreciating You may find yourself working extra hard to get things and people your own better qualities. Creative writing projects can be used in the organized. Wanting and needing to feel respected is an emotionally workplace to introduce better advertising jingles. You may see value in or feel love for charged issue in your life. Achieving things, working especially hard and having a an older person or someone in authority. You seem to appreciate feelings and move- strong ambition are all things that are especially important to you now. A good understanding of those around you can almost assure you of a special time with ACROSS grafted from the aorta to the coronary artery ment in general, and could possibly find yourself looking for a little romance. You may just want to get out and about and walk or exercise. It’s just a wonderful time to be in someone you love. Great feelings and knowing how much you are loved should 1. A compartment in front of a motor vehicle to bypass the blocked section of the coro- the company of others in play or work. A particular job may be just right for someone make this a very happy time. Some very important matters may be on the mind of where driver sits. nary artery and improve the blood supply to with your credentials. You certainly know how to manage and direct others. Your par- someone younger than you, and you may be asked for your guidance and advice. If 4. French painter (born in Russia) noted for his the heart. ticular ideas and thoughts are exceptionally good today; they have not gone unno- you have time, consider making a fun gift, just for the fun of it. Your social life is imagery and brilliant colors (1887-1985). 2. An elaborate song for solo voice. ticed. bright and active. 11. In bed. 3. A young child. 15. A constellation in the southern hemisphere 4. Small tough woody zamia of Florida and West near Telescopium and Norma. Indies and Cuba. 16. Genus of tropical shrubs and trees having 5. A period of time equal to 1/24th of a day. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) usually odd-pinnate leaves with large leaflets 6. A platform raised above the surrounding level and pink to reddish wood. to give prominence to the person on it. Now is a good time for that one-on-one with a higher-up, or supervisor. Professionally speaking, you are in the right frame of mind. A new person 17. A quantity of no importance. 7. United States army officer and engineer who This is the time that you can express your desire for a new position within you meet today will be most important to you in the future. You enjoy 18. A young woman indulged by rich and pow- supervised the construction of the Panama the company. Perhaps you could be in management. It’s a period when you can put meeting new people and see each person in your life as a special individual. A dream your practical insights into words and convey them to others. Taking care of business is or two may have helped you to remember a promise or a project you would like to erful older men. Canal (1858-1928). achieve before the end of the year. This may be something as simple as creating a dec- 20. The state or fact of existing. 8. A genus of European owls. a major theme where your emotional orientation is concerned. You crave organization and you want to get things accomplished. You aim to have a place for everything and orative object for a friend’s gift: a homemade flower arrangement, candle, vase, draw- 21. Winning all or all but one of the tricks in 9. In a straight unbroken line of descent from everything in its place. Health and work goals take on greater importance now. You can ing, etc. The noon break affords you a little time to shop and before the evening bridge. parent to child. demonstrate much understanding of and sensitivity to other’s needs at this time. A approaches you will have the art supplies you need to finish the project. Speaking of a 22. A republic on the west coast of Africa. 10. The act of slowing down or falling behind. romance in your life becomes more stable. There is a deeper sense of intimacy. gift, you may receive a few yourself; patience, there will be time to play soon. Smile! 23. A member of the Siouan people inhabiting 11. The part of the nervous system of verte- the valleys of the Platte and Missouri rivers in brates that controls involuntary actions of Nebraska. the smooth muscles and heart and glands. 25. The basic unit of electric current adopted 12. A pale rose-colored variety of the ruby Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) under the System International d'Unites. spinel. 26. A tiny or scarcely detectable amount. 13. Mild yellow Dutch cheese made in balls. Expect some challenges in the workplace from time to time. You find you Extra support comes your way now. You may have the feeling that you 28. Collect or gather. are appreciated for your talent in getting things done. It would be appro- are very much in touch and have a good connection with those around 14. Slightly wet. you; conversations have never been so interesting. All of the support that you need 31. The positive fractional part of the representa- 19. Distributed or sold illicitly. priate to ask for help. You are disciplined, work hard and are good at getting others to work with and for you. You have a fantastic appetite for detail work and can take it all in will be there for you. There is very little time to complete unfinished business before tion of a logarithm. 24. German organist and contrapuntist (1685- the year ends, but you manage to do it. Legal matters are concluded successfully 34. A salt deposit that animals regularly lick. 1750). and still look for more. Willing and able to respond to almost any emergency-you are responsible and always ready. Being successful in life is easy; you have a built-in sense today. Your taste in art and your creative thinking is heightened. Maybe this is the per- 37. Eaten as mush or as a thin gruel. 27. A very poisonous metallic element that has of how to approach and unravel even the most difficult problems. Helpful advice fect time to pick out furnishings, colors and so forth-the more elegant things in life-or 38. American prizefighter who won the world three allotropic forms. comes from a trusted confidante. You and another family member decide to visit an ill at least to communicate your ideas with loved ones. Also-this is a wonderful time to heavyweight championship three times 29. An unpredictable outcome that is unfortu- or elderly person this evening. You will meet with deep and loving acceptance. be around friends and associates and to work together. Healing is accelerated by your (born in 1942). nate. peaceful ways. 40. A city in central southwestern Iran. 30. Narrow wood or metal or plastic runners 42. A toxic nonmetallic element related to sulfur used for gliding over snow. and tellurium. 32. Spider monkeys. Virgo (August 23-September 22) 45. A federal agency established to regulate the 33. A deep pan with a handle. Pisces (February 19-March 20) release of new foods and health-related 35. A member of an agricultural people of Work ethics are very important to you and should you choose to take products. southern India. Taking the novel approach, trying out new ideas and breakthroughs in thinking could be what life is all about. You just simply feel like being different, trying time away from work today, you might allow yourself the time and call it 46. Resembling or characteristic of or appropri- 36. Any of numerous ornamental shrubs grown out something new and unusual. Perhaps you feel that you are too complacent, or are a vacation day. Keep a good attitude about competition and prepare for some extra ate to an elegy. for their showy flowers of various colors. you getting bored with the status quoadding a little variety to your life will give it a lit- projects. This is a very busy time in your professional life. At home this afternoon, you 49. American Revolutionary patriot. 39. (Old Testament) The second patriarch. tle extra spice and adds interest. You may want to go where no one has gone before, or also enjoy staying busy. Just whiling the time away is not your bag! It should be a 52. A silvery ductile metallic element found pri- 41. A substance produced by the hypothalamus may just want to travel a less traveled path. Growth comes from allowing yourself to good time to really look at yourself and understand what is really important. Writing marily in bauxite. that is capable of accelerating the secretion make changes, allowing yourself to see things through different eyes, so to speak, and efforts can be a spectacular success. Don’t hesitate if a travel opportunity arises-a jour- 53. Informal abbreviation of `representative'. of a given hormone by the anterior pituitary being unafraid of taking a completely unfamiliar path or journey into the unknown. If ney begun this afternoon can be joyful and romantic. Do something fun with a good 54. Mature female of mammals of which the gland. you are reasonable, fear not what awaits you on the other side of any adventure. friend. You have a good attitude and this evening you are expressive. male is called `buck'. 43. A member of the Pueblo people living in 55. Any customary and rightful perquisite northern New Mexico. appropriate to your station in life. 44. A system of one or more computers and 57. Employed in accomplishing something. associated software with common storage. Word Search Yesterday’s Solution 59. Optical instrument consisting of a pair of 47. A fencing sword similar to a foil but with a lenses for correcting defective vision. heavier blade. 61. The capital and largest city of Yemen. 48. A state in the Rocky Mountains. 62. (Akkadian) God of wisdom. 50. An independent group of closely related 63. A public promotion of some product or serv- Chadic languages spoken in the area ice. between the Biu-Mandara and East Chadic 65. A bachelor's degree in religion. languages. 67. Excessively agitated. 51. An unforeseen obstacle. 71. A state-chartered savings bank owned by its 56. Genus of beetles whose grubs feed mainly depositors and managed by a board of on roots of plants. trustees. 58. In a mildly insane manner. 74. The sister of your father or mother. 60. United States swimmer who in 1926 became 76. Shattered or torn up or torn apart violently the first woman to swim the English Channel as by e.g. wind or lightning or explosive. (1903- ). 77. Large burrowing rodent of South and 64. Of or relating to a seizure or convulsion. Central America. 66. Two items of the same kind. 78. Any of numerous local fertility and nature 68. A collection of things (goods or works of art deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peo- etc.) for public display. ples. 69. A drop of the clear salty saline solution 79. Relating to or occurring or living in or fre- secreted by the lacrimal glands. quenting the open ocean. 70. Any tree or shrub of the genus Inga having 82. A workplace for the conduct of scientific pinnate leaves and showy usually white research. flowers. 83. Founder of Christian Science in 1866 (1821- 72. Someone who works (or provides workers) 1910). during a strike. 84. Exaggerate one's acting. 73. A small cake leavened with yeast. 85. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from 75. A coenzyme derived from the B vitamin aba cloth. nicotinic acid. 80. A unit of energy equal to the work done by DOWN an electron accelerated through a potential 1. Open-heart surgery in which the rib cage is difference of 1 volt. opened and a section of a blood vessel is 81. A New England state. Yesterday’s Solution

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nsel Elgort is releasing an album. The 20-year-old actor - who is known for appearing as Augustus Waters in ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ - him prepare for Unbroken role Ais hoping to release his debut electronic music album in February 2015 under the moniker Anslo. He said: “I have a record coming out hopefully next month or in February that has crossover potential. It has radio ack O’Connell lent a Dictaphone off Brad Pitt so appeal,” The ‘Divurgent’ star has shown his musical side before by releasing he could prepare for ‘Unbroken’. The 24-year- remixes of Lana Del Rey and Felix Cartal, and has now teased details of his Jold actor stars in the Angelina Jolie-directed upcoming LP, which he has yet to settle on a name for. He continued: “It’s war drama based on the life of Louis Zamperini - an called ‘Shadow’, or ‘I Will Be A Shadow’. I’m not sure yet. It has a vocal on it. American World War II prisoner of war survivor and No, it’s not my vocal-it’s my production. I wanted to make sure that people an Olympic distance runner - and he’s revealed that knew that I was the producer and not the vocalist.” However, the Hollywood Brad, 51, helped him to prepare for the role. Jack heartthrob assured fans his hope of becoming a successful musician explained: “Brad Pitt lent me a little Dictaphone doesn’t mean he will be giving up acting, because he has so much spare thing, like a cassette recorder, and I really liked the time to spend making tracks. He explained to MTV News: “I’m probably authentic dated nature of that process, of putting doing 4 or 5 movies, but I can do it both at the same time,” he said. “The this cassette player on during our conversations, thing is you have so much downtime and like what do you do with that mine and Louis’s.” Jack took the Dictaphone with downtime? Do you make an ass out of yourself and party and do stupid him to Australia, where the film was being shot and said it helped him a great deal. The actor - who releasing album releasing album things? Or do you stay artistic and do something you love? So that’s what music is for me.” starred in ‘This Is England’ - told Collider: “So I had this borrowed cassette thing that I took to Australia Ansel Elgort with me and that was constantly there to listen to. So if I was bored or if I was killing time usually I’d just be listening to that. “Not to hear him speak. It wasn’t particularly useful at all for the voice, because obviously I’m dealing with a 96 year old at that stage, but the essence of him, the kind of thing that might have made him.”

Christian Bale: Moses is ‘most extreme’ role ever

hristian Bale says the character of Moses in ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings’ was the “most extreme” role he has ever under- Ctaken. The ‘American Hustle’ star plays the Egyptian prince in the new blockbuster and felt compelled to act differently around the set when filming the movie because he wanted to do the character justice. He revealed: “Moses is the most extreme character I’ve ever played. Because of that I actually changed the way I behaved on set. I kind of kept to myself, because I find it very difficult to get to know people too well and then play a character.” The film - directed by Ridley Scott - features Christian’s character as the

nan bans song lly Murs’ nan banned him from performing who released his fourth studio album ‘Never Been defiant protagonist who fights against Pharaoh Ramses (Joel Olly Murs’ Olly Murs’ his track ‘I Don’t Love You Too’. The Better’ last month - said his grandmother would Edgerton) by sending 600,000 slaves on a journey to escape Egypt, O‘Wrapped Up’ hitmaker revealed his grand- probably still be getting angry if she comes to see and the star admitted the character was even more difficult to per- ma, Eileen, was not impressed with a track which him in concert though, because she gets jealous fect than gruesome murderer Patrick Bateman in the 2000 movie, the star wrote about her and her husband’s argu- of other women showing affection towards him. ‘American Psycho’. He continued: “I thought: ‘I’ve got to turn him on ments, requesting for her grandson stopped He told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: “I get a lot and off because he’s too much.’ You know, I played Patrick Bateman singing the song at his shows. He said: “I wrote a of nans who like me. “My nan gets very jealous if in ‘American Psycho’ where I stayed in character, but Moses is way song on my second album and it’s called ‘I Don’t she sees anyone come up and kiss me. She says, more extreme than Patrick Bateman.” Christian - who is married to Love You Too’. It’s about two people having an ‘He’s my grandson, not yours’.” Hollywood stunt double Sibi Blazic - added he found it tough get- argument - it was about my nan and grandad. ting back into shape for the movie, having previously played over- “She’d be the first to admit that they do argue. She weight con man Irving Rosenfeld in the Golden Globe winning says: ‘I hate you Stan,’ and then she says ‘I don’t picture, ‘American Hustle’. He told Notebook magazine: “I was mean it.’” Despite confessing she does row with thankful to wear loose-fitting tent-like clothes throughout the film, Olly’s grandad, the 30-year-old singer confessed as I was desperately trying to lose weight. I didn’t feel playing “she didn’t like it”. He explained: “I didn’t sing it on Moses as a fat guy would be fitting.” tour because I didn’t want her to be upset watching it. I decided to cut that from the set.” The star -

Wonder Woman waiting on green light from Warner Bros onder Woman’ is still to be given the official green light by Warner Bros. The hotly-anticipated project has been ‘Wspoken about at length over the last few months, but ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Walking Dead’ director Michelle MacLaren has revealed the film remains some way off, with ‘Wonder Woman’ still lacking a script and an official release date. Quizzed on the pro- Brian May praises posed ‘Wonder Woman’ movie, Michelle was very coy, telling Vulture: “I really, really, really can’t talk about this.”I just picture a drone coming in over the hills and crashing through the glass and Adam Lambert flying over here and putting duct tape over my mouth, you know?” Despite Michelle’s reluctance to reveal any details about the film, dam Lambert “can sing higher than even Freddie” according Gal Gadot is still expected to star in it after her debut in ‘Batman v Chloe Grace Moretz to Brian May. The 67-year-old Queen guitarist has praised the Superman: Dawn of Justice’, which will also feature Ben Affleck and Aformer ‘American Idol’ contestant - who has collaborated Henry Cavill. ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ will be released with Brian and drummer Roger Taylor since 2011 - by saying his on April 29, 2016 in the UK and May 6, 2016 in the US. Meanwhile, wore heels with sprained knee vocal ability is enough to challenge the band’s late frontman, the much-anticipated ‘Wonder Woman’ movie is expected to open Freddie Mercury. He said: “They’re difficult songs to sing, Queen in June 2017, although Warner Bros is still to confirm the date. hloe Grace Moretz wore high heels to the People Magazine Awards despite having a sprained knee. The 17-year-old actress ditched the crutches she’d songs. There’s too much range. So many people can’t sing them in been using earlier in the day to take to the stage to accept her award for the original key-even if they are good singers, Adam comes along, C [and] he can do it easy. He can do it in his sleep! He can sing higher Next Generation Star in a stunning pair of bejewelled heels. She said: “Usually in show business, they say, ‘Break a leg’. For me, it’d be more fitting to say, ‘Sprain a than even Freddie could in a live situation.” The ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ knee’, because I can barely walk right now. So, sorry for my graceful entrance.” hitmaker admitted Freddie - who died of bronchopneumonia Chloe’s hair stylist Gregory Russell has also shared the secrets behind his client’s brought on by AIDS in 1991 - may even feel peeved the star’s stunning hair do at the ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California. He singing ability lives up to his legacy. He continued: “So I think revealed: “We wanted to create a beautiful, effortless look to complement Chloe’s Freddie would look at this guy and think, ‘Hmm... Yeah. Okay.’ There Dior dress.” In order to do so he worked Jasmine Oil Serum through Chloe’s damp would be a kind of, ‘Hmm ... You are good. You can do this.’” The hair, spritzed it with volumising spray and blew it out with a ceramic round brush musician also complimented Adam, 32, for his expert showmanship before pinning up the top sections to create volume. He then deep-parted her when on stage, which is exciting while not being a copy of the for- locks, added waves with a flat iron and smoothed loose strands with glossing mer lead singer’s behavior. Speaking to Japan’s Universal Music, he serum before tucking “one side behind her ear to show off her rad ear cuff”. The added: “He doesn’t have to try. He is a natural, in the same way that ‘Carrie’ star also thanked people for voting for her, admitting she felt lucky to be in Freddie was. “We didn’t look for this guy, [but] suddenly he’s there, the position she’s in at such a young age. She added: “I’m only 17-years-old and I and he can sing all of those lines. ... He doesn’t imitate; he just does feel like one of the luckiest 17-year-olds in the world right now.” his own thing.” Minaj is the new face of Cavalli icki Minaj is the new face of Roberto Cavalli. The ‘Anaconda’ rapper was chosen by the Italian label’s founder, Roberto NCavalli, to star in his eponymous brand’s spring/summer 2015 campaign as she “embodies the exuberant and modern femininity of the Cavalli woman”. The 74-year-old fashion designer also revealed he chose the voluptuous star to encourage women to embrace their curves. He said: “I chose Nicki Minaj because she embodies the exuberant and modern femininity of the Cavalli woman. In recent years we have become accustomed to women castigated in clothes that hide their body shapes. With this campaign, I wanted to send a strong countertrend message. I wanted a sensual woman who is aware of her body, who is not afraid to show her curves, rather she make them as a strength.” The campaign - which features Nicki sporting flamboy- ant, tribal-inspired designs - was shot by Francesco Carrozzini. Nicki has taken over as the face of the label from fellow singer Rita Ora - who fronted their winter campaign for 2014. Meanwhile, Roberto - who is spending the holidays with his wife and family in his hometown Florence - recently confessed he will soon be swapping his luxury apparel for an iconic Father Christmas outfit. The designer - who has children Robin, Christiana, Rachele, Daniele and Tommaso with his wife Eva, and seven grandchildren - said: “Of course I’m going to be Santa Claus, what do you expect? I have seven grandchildren.” LIFESTYLE37 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 Gossip China indicts Chan’s son on drug charge

hinese prosecutors on Monday indicted the son of Hong Kong action film star Jackie Chan on the Ccharge of sheltering others to use drugs, more than four months after he was detained. If convicted, singer-actor Jaycee Chan could be jailed for up to three years. Chan, 32, was among a string of celebrities detained over the summer for vices such as drug use and hiring prostitutes, as Beijing vowed to clean up social morals. The detention of Jaycee Chan has been particularly embarrassing for his father, who was named by Beijing as an anti-drug ambassador in 2009. Beijing police detained the younger Chan at his Beijing apartment in August along with Taiwanese movie star Ko Kai. Police said Chan and Ko both tested positive for marijuana and admitted using the drug, and that 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of it were taken from Chan’s home. Ko, whose real name is Ko Chen-tung, was released after a 14-day administrative detention for the drug use, but Chan - who has remained in detention since August - is faced with the more serious criminal charge. State broadcaster CCTV in August aired video of the police raid on Chan’s apartment, in which Chan was shown identifying marijuana. Ko testified on cam- era that he had used drugs at Chan’s home. Chan has never publicly contested the charge, and his father has openly apologized over his detention. “Regarding this issue with my son Jaycee, I feel very angry and very shocked,” Jackie Chan wrote on his microblog in Actor Booth Colman Dies at 91 August. “As a public figure, I’m very ashamed. As a father, I’m heartbroken.” Prosecutors from Beijing’s ooth Colman, who had a long career as an actor the Restless” and “General Hospital.” Colman made his film Dongcheng District announced the indictment in a including the role of ape scientist Dr. Zaius in the debut in 1952’s “The Big Sky” and last appeared on the one-line statement that did not mention when a trial B1970s “Planet of the Apes” TV series, died in his sleep bigscreen in the Coen brothers’ 2003 “Intolerable Cruelty.” would be held. In June, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Dec 15 in Los Angeles. He was 91. Colman was a He worked on Broadway, appearing with the likes of Basil declared that illegal drugs should be wiped out and Shakespearean authority who essayed mostly dramatic Rathbone and Fredric March, and appeared as Scrooge that offenders should be severely punished. The crack- roles. He had a gravitas that was well-used in his many per- onstage in “A Christmas Carol” almost every year for down snared more than 7,800 people in Beijing alone, formances as authority figures, such as doctors, clergymen, decades. As a young actor, Colman studied with the according to police, and celebrities were targeted scientists and attorneys. Though he was never a comedian, Maurice Evans company, with which he appeared in because of their influence over the public. Jaycee he appeared in comedies and treasured his friendship with “Hamlet.” Eventually the association led to Booth assuming Chan has appeared in several films and has released classic performer Stan Laurel of Laurel & Hardy. the role of Dr. Zaius, which Evans originated in two three albums. (Colman is pictured above with Lois Laurel, the daughter of bigscreen “Planet of the Apes” films. Colman’s work on the Stan Laurel.) Though he worked in film-with more than 50 series led to acclaim from fans as well as invitations to bigscreen appearances-and onstage, Colman was best appear at film conventions. Colman was born in Portland, known for his work on television. He racked up many cred- Oregon, and he attended the University of Washington, its, from the early days of TV in the 1950s through 2008. He and the U. of Michigan, where he began his career in radio. Isabella Rossellini: Actresses guested, often multiple times, on series including He mastered multiple languages. In lieu of flowers, the “Gunsmoke,” “Perry Mason,” “Star Trek,” “The Waltons,” “77 family requests a donation to the Actors Fund of America, Sunset Strip,” “Route 66,” “The Rifleman,” “Have Gun Will National Federation for the Blind, or United Jewish Appeal. are replacing models Travel,” “Bonanza,” “Mannix,” “Marcus Welby,” “Mission: Friends, family and fans are invited to share memories of Impossible” and “The Untouchables,” “Star Trek: Voyager” Colman at [email protected]. and “Chicago Hope.” He also appeared in TV comedies sabella Rossellini claims actresses are replacing models. The 62- including “My Three Sons,” “Hogan’s Heroes,” “I Dream of year-old star - who made a name for herself in the fashion indus- Jeannie,” “The Monkees,” “The Flying Nun” and, later, Itry aged 28 after making her debut appearance in British Vogue “Frasier” and “My Name is Earl.” The actor also occasionally - believes movie stars are being chosen over models in beau- had recurring roles in such soap operas as “The Young and ty campaigns because consumers have developed a “celebrity fixation”. She said “Models are not doing so many of the campaigns - it’s actresses. Now, there is a celebrity fixation.” Isabella - who worked as a spokesmodel for cosmetics brand LancÙme for 14 years until she was fired for being too old in her 40s - believes labels are happy to use actresses to front their campaigns as their careers last much longer. She explained: “And if they are in a successful film when they are 38 or 40, they still get the campaigns.”It’s the celebrity that gives them the longevity. Most models start working less at 30, and then by the time they are 35 it’s over completely.” The brunette beauty added she had been shocked to discover that ageism was “rampant in fashion” when she first started out as a model. She told The Daily Telegraph newspaper: “In two or three photo-shoots I had the cover of Vogue and my career exploded.”But I didn’t know that ageism was rampant in fashion. “No one asked me how old I was at the beginning, and when they found out, they were horrified.”

Bromfield to match outfit to Christmas tree ionne Bromfield wants to match her Christmas outfit to her Upton most searched model of 2014 tree. The ‘Mama Said’ hitmaker - who is the goddaughter of Dlate singer Amy Winehouse - has adorned her house with sil- ate Upton was the most searched model of 2014. The Sports Illustrated star - who recently won the ver-themed decorations for the festive period and is planning on Sexiest Woman Alive gong at the People Magazine Awards - topped the Google list, obtained by sporting a metallic dress to coordinate with the color scheme. She KStyle.com, which also featured supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell. Kendall Jenner’s emerg- exclusively told BANG Showbiz: “I always tend to wear a red dress. I ing fashion career earned her a place in second whilst Miranda Kerr - who has a 3-year-old son with Orlando might switch it up this year. “I’m thinking silver because my whole Bloom - came third. Despite being named Model of the Year at last month’s British Fashion Awards, Cara house is silver themed this year. I don’t know if that would be a bit Delevingne only made it to sixteenth on the list, being topped in the rankings by Heidi Klum, 41, Behati tacky. I’ve got a silver tree with silver baubles... a bit of a silver theme.” Prinsloo - the wife of singer Adam Levine - and Kate Upton’s fellow Sports Illustrated Swimwear Issue model, The 18-year-old singer also mixes up her beauty regime for the party Lily Aldridge, 29. Lily - who is also one of the Victoria’s Secret angels - wasn’t the only Angel to make the list; season. She said: “I like a lot of glitter. So I usually put a bit of glitter Karlie Kloss, 22, Alessandra Ambrosio, 33 and Doutzen Kroes, 29, also made the grade. Karlie - who came on my eye lids.” Dionne also confessed to being a huge fan of popstar ninth - has made quite a presence for herself on social media, with over 1.7 million followers on Instagram. Rihanna’s “different” style and credits the Barbados-born beauty for Similarly, her fellow Angel, Alessandra is a big hit on social media too, with well over three million followers being a “trendsetter”. She said: “I really love Rihanna’s style. I love how on the photo sharing site. The youngest model to feature on the list was Hailey Baldwin at just 18-years-old. Rihanna... she could wear a dress with trainers and look amazing. “Her style... I like how it’s very different. She’s a massive trendsetter but I like the way she always changes it up its never samey.” CARPISA autumn winter 2014 collection

he autumn/winter 2014-15 Carpisa collec- to the match with micro studs and chain details; tion reconsiders the virtues and the beauty present itself in collection with the “optical” black Tof our Country, and what the world know &white version. how the Italian Feeling. The details decorate the A funded must is the animalier subject, pres- bags as well as the monuments and the beauties ent in collection in the coconut print, in the spot- of our country decorate Italy. ted, in the shiny and opaque python leather. The metallic is protagonist in various forms, Characterized by materials that have an impor- from the metal decorated connections, to the tant and luxurious relevance, it refers to the metal brackets that give light to the bag and the world-known conception of the artisan Italy. accessory. The rock-chic is one of the main sub- The final subject of the collection is the coun- ject of the collection where the black colour is try-chic, bags with soft structures, grainy materi- protagonist. There are gold studs opposing to the als match with the suede and the fur; lines that more romantic matelassÈ combine to bows have a romantic taste and recall to the concep- details. tion of hill landscape and farmland that charac- The textile of the collection is the “Pied de terize the beautiful country. Welcome to Italy, Poule”, both in micro and maxi variation; a classic welcome to Carpisa. Treat yourself to the latest textile that become minimized and made young collection at The Avenues- The Mall. lifestyle TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

Fashion

A model presents a creation by Kuwaiti fashion designer Models present creations by fashion†designers Mohammed al-Sobhi and Amal al-Balushi. Fashion designers Mohammed Al-Sobhi and Amal Al-Balushi — AFP photos Nora Alhdhiran during the Gulf’s Forum of Elegance event on December 21, 2014 in the Omani capital, Muscat. GULF’S FORUM OF ELEGANCE EVENT

Bahraini fashion designer Kobrai Al-Qoseer Emirati fashion designer Mona Al-Mansouri Omani fashion designer Reem Al-Alawi Emirati fashion designer Mona Al-Mansouri

Emirati fashion designer Mona Al-Mansouri

Saudi Arabia fashion designer Rana Riri Kuwaiti fashion designer Nora Alhdhiran Bahraini fashion designer Kobrai Al-Qoseer Omani fashion designer Amal Al-Balushi Saudi Arabia fashion designer Umaymah Azouz lifestyle TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 Music & Movies

A picture taken in Saint-Pierre-des-Corps shows a Pleyel piano. — AFP photos The original rosewood Pleyel piano that will be exposed at the Grand Palais in Jean Jude, musicologist and music teacher poses in Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, to Paris as part of the event “Osons la France”. show the original mechanic of the rosewood Pleyel piano. Eccentric French collector turns home into piano ‘orphanage’

ean Jude, glasses perched on the end of his nose, is prac- smiles. “In the ‘70s and ‘80s it was fashionable to turn pianos Grand Palais event, it was juxtaposed with Pleyel’s latest mod- companies or musicians who want to record pieces on period ticing scales when his visitor arrives. “Sorry there isn’t into furniture. Many of those that I bought for a pittance would el, a futuristic creation with lid and legs made of carbon fibre- pianos. Among his gems is a piano that once belonged to Jmuch room in here,” Jude says, getting up from one piano no doubt have ended up as bars, bookcases or writing desks.” underscoring the venerable company’s evolution from its French president Sadi Carnot, who governed from 1887 to before wending his way among countless others filling his liv- People often are unaware of the value of the pianos they beginnings as piano maker to Frederic Chopin. 1894. ing room, part of a unique collection totaling around 150. Jude give away or sell for a song. Five of Jude’s pianos have been Another is a rosewood Pleyel upright that once belonged and his cat live among the pianos in a four-bedroom house at recognized as national heritage: an upright Clementi from Breaking a ‘taboo’ to the writer Honore de Balzac’s sister Laure Surville. Rare the end of a cul-de-sac in Saint Pierre des Corps, a suburb of 1820, a 1836 Pape grand and three Pleyels, including the first For Jude, the journey has been in the collecting. “My family pieces like this could fetch small fortunes, but while admit- the central French city of Tours. grand built by the iconic French piano maker in 1820, a concert couldn’t afford to buy a piano. I grew up with the idea that ting to having received some tempting offers, Jude confesses A wooden gate opens into a yard cluttered with pianos grand from 1843 and an 1825 square piano. The oldest piece in obtaining such an instrument was taboo,” he said. His first to more than a shade of separation anxiety. “I’m not psycho- stored in crates and protected from the elements with blue tar- the collection dates to 1782. But it was an 1855 Pleyel model, piano lesson from an elderly teacher in 1968 blew the taboo to logically prepared to let go of my pianos,” he says. He does paulins. These are overflow instruments that the 63-year-old built specially for that year’s Universal Exhibition in Paris, that pieces. Determined to equal her mastery of Mozart’s “Turkish however dream of founding a museum to house his collec- music teacher cannot manage to squeeze inside or in the Jude loaned to the capital’s Grand Palais museum for a recent March”, the aspiring musician saved up his own money to buy tion. The learned piano protector would, of course, serve as garage. His passion for the stately instruments has driven Jude forum on French innovation. a piano-unbeknownst to his parents. “I was seriously chewed guide. — AFP to rescue scores of them from oblivion, sniffing out hidden “The press spoke of it in glowing terms (in 1855). It still has out when the delivery men arrived, but that consuming pas- treasures at charity shops and auctions, then restoring them a very good sound,” Jude remarks, playing a few notes on the sion has stuck with me to this day,” he says. Jude is generous when necessary. “You’re in a sort of orphanage here,” Jude elegant instrument made of rosewood with bronze trim. At the with his collection, willingly lending instruments to record

Phil Rudd Madonna speaks of ‘crazy times’ after songs leaked adonna and Sony Pictures both were separately torpedoed by major hacks this month, in what the pop icon called “crazy times.” MIt’s crazy,” she told Billboard magazine, when asked about the investigation into how at least 10 of her unfinished, unreleased songs were leaked onto the Internet. “I mean, look at what’s going on with Sony Pictures. It’s just the age that we’re living in. It’s crazy times.” Washington accuses Pyongyang of being behind the hack at Sony that led to the release of embarrassing emails and caused executives to halt the debut of the madcap comedy action film “The Interview.” The film about a fictional CIA plot to kill the country’s leader infuriated North Korea, although Pyongyang has repeatedly denied it was behind the cyber-assault on Sony. “The Internet is as constructive and helpful in bringing people together as it is in doing dangerous things and hurting people. It’s a double-edged sword,” Madonna said. —AFP

AC/DC drummer says ‘The Omen,’ The Krays’ actress he wants to keep his job Billie Whitelaw dies at 82 ritish actress Billie Whitelaw has died at parts for her in several experimental plays. “He C/DC drummer Phil Rudd described allegations He also rejected media reports that his legal woes the age of 82, the BBC reported yester- used me as a piece of plaster he was molding he tried to hire a hitman as “ludicrous” yester- stemmed from a dispute over dealings with prosti- day. She was best known for her role as until he got just the right shape,” she said. Her day and said he wanted to keep his job with tutes, describing himself as “a good guy”. “This has just B A Mrs Baylock, the guardian of the demonic first performance in one of his works was the top-selling rock band. Rudd faces charges of been a big ball of cheese and all the rats are gathering Damien in “The Omen.” Whitelaw appeared in “Play,” which debuted in 1964. Others roles in threatening to kill and drug possession in New and having a piece,” he said. “That’s not who I am.” more than 50 films, including crime drama Beckett plays included “Happy Days” and “Not Zealand and fellow band members, including gui- Rudd, who played on hits including “Dirty Deeds “The Krays” and comedy “Hot Fuzz,” but was I.” Film parts included “Charlie Bubbles,” in tarist Angus Young, have hinted he will be dropped Done Dirty Cheap” and “Highway to Hell,” is free on equally known for her TV and stage perform- which she played opposite Albert Finney, and for AC/DC’s upcoming world tour. The 60-year-old bail and will be back in court to have his case ances, and Samuel Beckett’s plays in particu- psychological thriller “Twisted Nerve.” She won drummer said he wanted to remain part of the band reviewed on February 10. Rudd’s lawyer has said his lar. He described her as a perfect actress. a BAFTA for these roles in 1969. She also won a he first joined in 1975 after his arrest last month. client’s reputation has suffered “incalculable damage” Whitelaw made her stage debut in 1950 in BAFTA for TV drama “The Sextet” in 1972. “I want my job back and I want my reputation back due to sensational worldwide publicity surrounding “Pink String and Sealing Wax” in her home Later film roles include 1976’s “The Omen,” and I’m going to get them,” he told TVNZ. Rudd was the case, adding that they are considering “any possi- town, Bradford, England, and made her TV “The Dressmaker” in 1988, and 1990’s “The also accused of “attempting to procure murder” by ble remedies he may have”. bow in a BBC adaptation of Frances Hodgson Krays,” in which she played the bullying moth- hiring a hitman, but the charge was dropped after AC/DC plan a world tour next year to promote Burnett’s story “The Secret Garden” in 1952. er of criminal twins, played by Spandau less than 24 hours due to insufficient evidence. “It’s all their latest album “Rock or Bust” and any conviction She later appeared in several episodes of BBC Ballet’s Martin and Gary Kemp. Whitelaw was wrong and I’m very upset about the whole thing. It’s for Rudd could prevent him from taking part. Angus police series “Dixon of Dock Green.” Her early married to actor Peter Vaughan between 1952 ludicrous, ludicrous-as if I’d need anybody to do that,” Young, whose brother Malcolm left the band this year stage career included spells with Joan and 1966, and later married actor and writer he said. Rudd, who has lived in the New Zealand suffering from dementia, has said Rudd’s potentially Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop and the Robert Muller, who died in 1998. She died on North Island seaside town of Tauranga since 1983, has lengthy court case would definitely not stop them National Theatre. In 1964, she played Sunday at a nursing home in London, her son pleaded not guilty to the drugs and threatening to kill from hitting the road next year. — AFP Desdemona opposite Laurence Olivier as Matthew Muller told the BBC. — Reuters charges, the latter of which carries a jail term of up to Othello at the Chichester Festival. seven years. By then she had met Beckett, who wrote

‘Inside the Mind of Leonardo in 3D’ Aamir Khan’s ‘PK’ scores at int’l box oes Leonardo da Vinci need 3D? Instead, the superficial documentary’s Maybe if he were the nimble-footed focus is on Leonardo as engineer and Dcenterpiece of a videogame like observer of nature. Attractive shots of a fal- office, enrages religious groups “Assassin’s Creed,” but certainly not as con- con, accompanied by Capaldi’s theatrical ceived in Julian Jones’ unnecessary “Inside recitation of Leonardo’s words about birds K,” a Bollywood drama film that represents a Chinese director Jiang Wen’s “Gone with the Bullets” and fraudsters peddling various religions. In a country the Mind of Leonardo in 3D.” Restricting all and flight, logically lead to images of the re-teaming of key elements from global hit (on $36 million) and “Might at the Museum: Secret of where religious groups routinely protest film industry dialogue to Leonardo’s own words, jotted artist’s drawings of wings, made to “come “P“3 Idiots,” looks to have set records in a the Tomb.”UTV, which financed the picture and is dis- targets, “PK” has sent some into a frenzy, with down in his famously sprawling notebooks, alive” via 3D animation. Practically none of number of markets - despite the controversies it has tributing it in India under the Disney label, says that #boycottPK trending on Twitter at one point. the documentary envisions the ground- his creations are allowed to just “be”: raised. The UTV Disney-backed picture stars Aamir picture was released on Friday and expanded on In the UK “PK” grossed GBP172,000 on opening breaking visionary as a voracious polymath Instead their backgrounds are turned into Khan and is directed by Rajkumar Hirani and pro- Saturday to be the second biggest Saturday gross in Friday, followed by GBP244,000 on Saturday, for a two (true) while giving shockingly short shrift to roiling smoke, their rapid, masterly lines duced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Rentrak estimated its Indian history. It grossed US$4.21 million on Friday, fol- day total of GBP417,000 ($667,000), according to UTV. the man as artist. Animating his drawings extended and contracted so the images global total for its opening weekend at US$25.6 mil- lowed by US$4.79 million on Saturday for a first two That was the best opening day for any Hindi-language makes him more child’s cartoonist than move. Leonardo, whose genius with pen lion. That includes some $3.5 million from North day total of $9.0 million. UTV forecast a record Sunday. film this year and is the fifth biggest Hindi score in the incomparable draughtsman, and Peter and ink reproduced the sensation of move- America, where it charted as the tenth biggest movie The film sees Khan arrive on earth as a naked and territory. In Australia, “PK” enjoyed the biggest ever Capaldi’s modern-dress impersonation has ment via drawings of water, projectiles, of the session. innocent alien who has an ability to easily learn lan- opening day for an Indian film with A$162,000 and a gratuitously histrionic intensity. even clouds, apparently is still too static for Globally it was the fourth biggest film of the week- guages, but struggles more in negotiating human cus- A$392,000 (US$323,000) after two days. — Reuters Stereoscopic treatment aside, a theatrical the movies and needs the animator’s touch. end behind “The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies,” toms. En route the picture takes a big swipe at bigots release seems beside the point, since this sort of thing is best consumed on presenter Unrealized project History Films’ broadcasts. Viewers will be forgiven for thinking that Biographical information is reduced Leonardo left Florence because of a Bollywood actress here to the briefest of lines written out sodomy charge-a not uncommon accusa- Anushka Sharma, onscreen, establishing Leonardo’s illegiti- tion in the period, though not the cause for former Indian macy, his Tuscan roots, and his first known the artist’s move to Milan. The documentary cricketer Sachin artwork, assisting his teacher Verrocchio in spends a fair amount of time on his unreal- Tendulkar and a painting of “The Baptism of Christ.” Jones ized project for a monumental equestrian Bollywood actor and co-scribe Nick Dear regurgitate the statue of the local ruler, yet the reason for Aamir Khan pose usual embellished mythology, courtesy of expending so much footage on smelting for a photograph Giorgio Vasari, of Verrocchio being so hum- and practically zero on “The Last Supper” is during a promo- bled by his pupil’s gifts that he abandoned likely because a mural is just a mural, tional event for the painting altogether-but in any event, view- whereas a discussion of molten bronze forthcoming Hindi ers wanting even the merest of insights into allows Jones to shoot demonic-looking film ‘PK’ directed the artistic world of 15th-century Florence images in a foundry.—Reuters by Rajkumar Hirani should look elsewhere. in Mumbai. — AFP Eccentric French collector turns home into piano39 ‘orphanage’ TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

A Palestinian man dressed up as Santa Claus distributes Christmas trees along the wall of Jerusalem’s Old City, yesterday as Christians around the world prepare to celebrate the holy day. — AFP

US Christmas tree witter users anywhere in the world can control the lights The company says it designed the display with the intention on a holiday display in New Jersey. Tweets will turn on a 9- to help charities, towns and businesses to develop awareness Tfoot (3-meter) Christmas tree, menorah and over 1,000 and fundraising campaigns. Tweet #brilliant#twinkle to LED lights at Oxford Communications in Lambertville and also @Oxmas_Tree to light the display and tweet #figgyypudding to controlled by tweets turn them off. turn them off. — AP

School children hold lottery balls, during the Spain’s Christmas lottery known School children sing out the numbers for the top prize of Spain’s Christmas Gonzalo Presa, a worker at the Wax Museum shows his winning ticket after he as ‘El Gordo’ or ‘The Fat One’, in Madrid yesterday. — AP/AFP photos lottery known as ‘El Gordo’ or ‘The Fat One’, as they hold lottery balls. and several other workers won the main Christmas lottery prize. Spain’s ‘Fat One’ lottery pays out 2.2 billion euros pain’s Christmas lottery El Gordo, considered the Tickets with the winning number were sold this year in world’s richest in prizes, shared out 2.2 billion euros various regions around the country including Madrid, S($2.7 billion) yesterday in a country fighting to recov- Murcia and Valencia. As tradition dictates, children from a er from years of recession. Holders of tickets with this Madrid school picked wooden balls bearing the winning year’s top winning number — the Gordo itself, or “Fat numbers out of two giant golden tumblers and then sang One”-won 400,000 euros each, with thousands of other them out in a live television draw lasting four hours. The smaller cash prizes. Christmas lottery has been held uninterrupted since 1812. “I can’t believe it. It was a really happy and emotional Even Spain’s 1936-39 civil war did not end it, as each side moment,” the owner of one of the shops that sold the win- held its own draw during the conflict. It has become a pop- ning number in Madrid told radio station Cadena Ser. ular Christmas tradition in Spain, with friends, colleagues Unlike other big lotteries that generate just a few big win- and bar regulars banding together to buy tickets. ners, Spain’s Christmas lottery aims to share the wealth, Although other draws around the world have bigger indi- with thousands of numbers getting a prize. Since last year vidual top prizes, Spain’s Christmas lottery ranks as the however the taxman has taken a fifth of all prizes over world’s richest for the total sums paid out. — AFP 2,500 euros, as part of the government’s austerity meas- Lottery Administration shop owners on General Pastor Avenue in Eliana near Valencia celebrate having sold the first ures. prize.

Winners of a Spain lottery celebrate the first Christmas lottery prize “El Gordo” Lottery Administration shop owners on General Pastor Avenue in Eliana near An owner of a lottery office puts a banner with the number prize after selling (“The Fat One”). Valencia celebrate having sold the first prize. the second Christmas lottery prize “El Gordo”.